Payroll Administrator 2

Job Title

Payroll Administrator II

Agency

Texas A&M University - Kingsville

Department

Payroll Services

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Kingsville, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

About Texas A&M University–Kingsville

Texas A&M University–Kingsville (TAMUK), the oldest institution of higher learning in South Texas and a proud member of the Texas A&M University System, stands as the region’s premier university. TAMUK offers the widest range of academic programs and degrees in South Texas, provides exceptional learning and residential facilities, conducts impactful research, awards substantial scholarships, and has awarded more than 80,000 degrees in the institution’s 100-year history. The university is recognized for its unwavering commitment to student success, meaningful research, and deep community engagement. With a welcoming campus culture and strong regional partnerships, TAMUK offers faculty and staff a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of students and the broader South Texas region.

Location: The University is located in historic Kingsville, a friendly, safe city of 25,000 that is the home of the legendary King Ranch. Corpus Christi and its beaches are just 40 miles to the northeast, and the border with Mexico is 120 miles to the south at Brownsville or 119 miles to the west at Laredo.

For more information, click here.

Position Overview

The Payroll Administrator II is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll while ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, System policies, and established internal controls. This position performs a variety of complex payroll functions, including reviewing payroll transactions, reconciling payroll accounts, researching discrepancies, maintaining employee payroll records, and responding to employee and management inquiries.

The Payroll Administrator II works independently on routine and moderately complex payroll matters, exercises sound judgment in resolving discrepancies, and collaborates with Human Resources, Finance, and other departments to ensure payroll accuracy, confidentiality, and operational efficiency.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Payroll Processing and Administration   

• Process and review payroll transactions to ensure employees are paid accurately and in accordance with established payroll schedules.
• Review timekeeping records, employee status changes, pay rates, deductions, garnishments, and other payroll-related adjustments.
• Calculate and process supplemental payments, retroactive pay, adjustments, and off-cycle payments as authorized.
• Verify payroll data for accuracy and completeness before finalizing payroll.
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintain accurate and confidential payroll records in accordance with record-retention requirements.

Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure payroll transactions comply with applicable federal, state, and local wage-and-hour requirements and organizational policies.

• Review payroll deductions, contributions, and other withholding amounts for accuracy.

• Assist with internal and external payroll audits by preparing supporting documentation and researching requested transactions.

• Maintain documentation supporting payroll changes, adjustments, approvals, and other financial transactions.

Reconciliation and Financial Support      

• Prepare recurring payroll reports and provide supporting data for financial reporting and budgeting purposes.

• Coordinate with other departments to resolve discrepancies and ensure accurate payroll-related entries.

• Assist with identifying process improvements and strengthening internal payroll controls.

• Employee and Departmental Support

• Respond to employee, supervisor, and management inquiries regarding payslips, deductions, tax withholding, direct deposits, and payroll adjustments.

• Coordinate with Human Resources regarding new hires, terminations, leave changes, compensation updates, and other employee status changes affecting payroll.

• Communicate payroll requirements, deadlines, and documentation needs to employees and department representatives.

• Handle sensitive employee and financial information with discretion and maintain strict confidentiality.

Systems and Process Improvement

• Utilize payroll and timekeeping systems to process transactions, generate reports, and maintain accurate records.

• Identify recurring errors, investigate root causes, and recommend improvements to payroll procedures.

• Assist with payroll system testing, updates, implementations, and process documentation as needed.

• Provide guidance and technical assistance to other payroll team members when appropriate.

Other Duties

• The above represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required Education

Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Experience

One years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field and three years of related experience OR equivalent combination
• Knowledge of HRIS or payroll software
• Experience processing payroll using Workday

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing
• Ability to positively and professionally interact with staff and other stakeholders
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Working knowledge of office software and database applications
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others
• Strong attention to detail in time sensitive, deadline driven environments
• Ability to generate and interpret reports
• Ability to maintain confidentiality

Other Requirements

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time while operating a computer
• Regular speaking and auditory ability to answer phone calls and resolve payroll inquiries for staff/faculty
• Visual acuity to read computer screens and reports
• Stooping, bending, or reaching
• Occasional light lifting of approximately 20 to 25 pounds

Other Requirements and Factors

• This position is security sensitive
• This position will require export-control authorization prior to starting employment.
• Commitment to Caring Campus principles, with the ability to provide exceptional customer service, foster positive relationships, and promote a welcoming, responsive, and student-centered environment for internal and external constituents.
• This position requires compliance with state and federal laws/codes and Texas A&M University System/TAMU policies, regulations, rules and procedures
• All tasks and job responsibilities must be performed safely without injury to self or others in compliance with System and University safety requirements

Why Join the Javelina Nation?

Texas A&M University–Kingsville offers a supportive, mission-driven culture focused on excellence in teaching, research, and service. All employees enjoy:

• A welcoming campus community
• Opportunities for professional development
• Competitive benefits through the Texas A&M University System
• A rewarding experience of helping students achieve their academic and career goals

Shared Values: TAMUK employees uphold the Shared Values of Care, Integrity, Pride, Innovation, and Excellence, which form the foundation of the University’s culture and guide its strategic plan. More information on TAMUK’s Strategic Plan and Shared Values can be found here.

4DX: TAMUK employees actively engage in Franklin Covey’s 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) activities within their departments. TAMUK utilizes 4DX as the framework for pursuing strategic goals by creating a culture of high performance. This requires participation from all faculty and staff. More information on 4DX can be found here.

Caring Campus:  TAMUK employees embody the Institute for Evidence Based Change’s Caring Campus mindset, maintaining a collegial and caring attitude towards students and each other to foster student engagement and a positive, collaborative work environment. More information on Caring Campus can be found here.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation: Commensurate with experience

Texas A&M University-Kingsville offers a career filled with purpose and opportunity in addition to competitive wages. In addition to base pay, TAMUK provides eligible employees a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support employees’ well-being, professional growth, and financial security.

BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply)

With our generous benefit package, robust professional development opportunities, strong retirement programs, and dedication to service excellence, TAMUK is a truly engaging and rewarding place to work.

Insurance:

• Medical
  • $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value).
  • Up to 83% of premium covered by the university:
    • Employee and Spouse
    • Employee and Children
    • Employee and Family coverage
• Dental & Vision
• Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account

On-Campus Wellness Opportunities:

• TAMUK’s Wellness Program is designed to enrich lives through health and wellness programming that is meaningful and impactful.

Work Life Solutions:

• Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources

Tuition Benefits:

• Employee Tuition Assistance Program
• Book scholarships
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Retirement:

• Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP), dependent on position
• Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan

Employee Leave:

• 8+ hours of vacation per month
• 8 hours of sick leave per month
• 8 hours of paid Birthday leave
• 12-15 paid holidays per year

Additional Information

A federal proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Texas A&M University-Kingsville will not pay this fee. If immigration sponsorship may be required for employment, consult with private immigration counsel, at the individual’s expense, is recommended to determine whether the individual’s current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Texas A&M University-Kingsville subject to this fee.

In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbott issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B petitions unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if sponsorship for employment visa status is required now or in the future, this moratorium may affect the university’s ability to employ the selected final candidate. TAMUK will adhere to applicable regulations regarding visa opportunities.

Application Instructions

During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents and submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via "Submit" action.

Employment applications must include:

• Completed online application
• Cover Letter/Letter of Interest addressing qualifications
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• Contact information for 3 professional references

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.