Payroll Manager

Overview

Position: Payroll Manager
Reports to: Director of Payroll
Position Type: 12-month
Start Date: May 2026
Compensation: $74,930 - $94,303 (Home Office Grade 6)

This role involves managing the full payroll process to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely compensation for all employees. The Payroll Manager will oversee payroll operations, audit data, and ensure adherence to federal and state regulations including FLSA and Texas Education Agency requirements.

Responsibilities

• Manage full-cycle payroll for exempt and non-exempt employees, including timesheet validation, salaried pay runs, supplemental pay, and stipend processing
• Review and validate hours worked, leave, overtime, accruals, salary changes, retro pay, mid-year status changes, and termination payouts
• Validate benefits, deductions, withholding elections, and tax configurations prior to each pay run; ensure accurate and timely funding
• Oversee payroll specialists and manage pay cycle scheduling
• Serve as backup to Payroll Director for payroll finalization
• Monitor compliance with federal and state payroll laws including FLSA, IRS regulations, Texas Workforce Commission, and TEA guidelines
• Ensure accurate processing and remittance of payroll taxes, garnishments, and benefits
• Manage recurring audits for employee pay, deductions, accruals, and tax settings to prevent errors and overpayments
• Review Leave of Absence (LOA), FMLA, and ADA-related pay adjustments, including leave balances and wage docks
• Analyze payroll discrepancies and collaborate with Payroll Director to implement preventive measures
• Serve as subject matter expert on system configurations, changes, and upgrades
• Collaborate with Payroll Director to develop, maintain, and optimize payroll processes within the ERP system
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum 3 years of progressive payroll experience
• Strong knowledge of FLSA, IRS tax rules, garnishment laws, and payroll compliance
• High accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong analytical and reporting skills
• Ability to work outside normal hours and on weekends
• Openness to giving and receiving frequent feedback
• Ability to maintain emotional control under stress
• Ability to work urgently in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships in a team or collaborative environment
• Dedication to professional growth and development

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• 2+ years of payroll manager experience
• Experience in Texas charter school or school district environment
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and other MS Office programs
• Knowledge of Texas Education Agency regulations and Texas payroll coding
• Familiarity with Teacher Retirement System
• Payroll certifications such as CPP or FPC

Compensation & Benefits

• Exempt, salaried position with compensation commensurate with experience
• Health and supplemental insurance options including a $0 monthly medical plan or a $24 monthly plan with a $50 employer Health Savings Account contribution
• Eligibility for benefits requires working 20+ hours per week; medical benefits available for 10+ hours per week
• Participation in Teacher Retirement System of Texas and optional 457b Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off: 15 days for employees working 20+ hours per week, plus system closures per academic calendar
• Paid leave for medical needs including maternity and paternity leave, paid at 100% based on eligibility and tenure
• Professional development opportunities including leadership programs and coaching

Location

Houston, Texas

Equal Opportunity Statement

The employer is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or parenthood.