Payroll Manager

Payroll ManagerThe Payroll Manager is responsible for the accurate, timely, and compliant administration of all district payroll operations. This position oversees the processing of semi-monthly payrolls, ensures compliance with federal and state payroll regulations, manages payroll reporting and reconciliations, maintains strong internal controls, and provides exceptional customer service to district employees. The Payroll Manager serves as the district's subject matter expert for payroll administration and supports continuous improvement of payroll processes.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Manage the complete semi-monthly payroll process, ensuring accurate and timely payment of all employees.Oversee payroll workflows and verify that personnel actions, payroll changes, deductions, leave, and earnings are processed accurately and in accordance with district policies and applicable laws.Review payroll calculations to ensure the accuracy of earnings, deductions, taxes, and employer contributions.Administer wage garnishments, tax levies, child support orders, and other court-ordered deductions in compliance with applicable regulations.Maintain accurate payroll records and supporting documentation in accordance with state and federal record retention requirements.Process manual payroll adjustments, replacement checks, and off-cycle payrolls as necessary.Manage substitute employee payroll interfaces, time reporting, and related reconciliations.Review, audit, and process hourly employee timesheets and supplemental pay.Prepare, reconcile, and submit required federal, state, and retirement reporting, including but not limited to: IRS Forms 941 and W-2; state and federal tax filings and deposits; New Mexico Educational Retirement Board (ERB); Retiree Health Care Authority (RHCA); Unemployment Insurance; Workers' Compensation payroll reporting; and other required payroll-related reports.Reconcile payroll liability accounts and mandatory payroll deductions.Ensure payroll compliance with Board policies, administrative regulations, collective bargaining agreements, federal and state laws, and accounting standards.Maintain appropriate internal controls and separation of duties within payroll processes to safeguard district assets and confidential employee information.Research and resolve payroll discrepancies, responding professionally and promptly to employee questions and concerns.Collaborate with Human Resources, Finance, Benefits, Information Technology, and other departments to resolve staff inquiries, maintain payroll accuracy, and ensure efficient operations.Train, mentor, and provide ongoing support to payroll staff, including the Assistant Payroll Manager.Identify opportunities to improve payroll procedures, efficiency, and internal controls while maintaining compliance.Maintain current knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, retirement reporting requirements, and industry best practices through professional development.Maintain confidentiality of employee information and exercise sound professional judgment in all payroll matters.Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Financial Officer or Superintendent.Minimum Qualifications:High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.Minimum of five (5) years of experience managing full-cycle payroll, ideally within public education or government, including payroll tax reporting, W-2 preparation, payroll reconciliations, and regulatory compliance.Experience processing payroll in a public-sector or school district environment preferred.Strong working knowledge of federal and state payroll laws, tax regulations, wage and hour requirements, and retirement reporting.Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.Experience with computerized payroll and financial management systems.Excellent organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and time management skills.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Ability to manage multiple deadlines while maintaining a high degree of accuracy.Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion with sensitive employee information.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, administrators, and external agencies.Any combination of education and experience deemed equivalent by the district may be considered.Physical Requirements:The employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, reach, bend, stoop, and occasionally lift or move materials weighing up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Equipment Used: The employee must be able to operate standard office equipment, including computers, calculators, telephones, scanners, copiers, and other office technology. Proficiency with payroll, financial, and timekeeping software is required.Terms of Employment:Twelve-month position (236 Day Contract) 7.5-hour workday Salary and benefits established by the Farmington Municipal Schools Board of Education - District Manager Pay Scale (COMP Column) Employment is subject to district policies, administrative regulations, and applicable federal and state laws.