Position Title: Dir,Payroll/HRIS

Employee Classification: Dir,Payroll/HRIS

College/Division: Administration and Finance

Department: 530400-PAYROLL SERVICES

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  Commensurate with qualifications

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  Thank you for your interest in joining NMSU! The Director of Payroll leads a dedicated team ensuring every employee is paid accurately and on time. This key leadership role oversees payroll operations, compliance, and reporting while collaborating across departments to improve systems and processes. Join us and help shape a reliable, service-oriented payroll experience for the University community.

Classification Summary:
The Director of Payroll is responsible for the production and timely delivery of semi-monthly payrolls. The Director of Payroll uses an understanding of the University’s internal payroll system to accurately pay employees in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules and regulations and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The Director of Payroll assures proper tax treatment, accounting, and disposition of withholdings, such as taxes, deductions for benefits, charitable contributions, retirement contributions, other savings, etc. The Director of Payroll works closely with the Office of Human Resources, Student Employment, Aggie Service Center, and other University departments as well as the state insurance and retirement offices, Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration, and others receiving the proceeds from payroll deductions.

Classification Standard Duties:
Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Payroll Department. Assures the payroll system is working as expected and in compliance with federal, multi-state and local laws, rules, and regulations by establishing controls, monitoring results, and collaborating with Human Resource Services, ICT, and Ellucian in response to changes in regulations, withholding rates and reporting needs. Oversees the supervision of professional, technical, and support personnel, which includes work allocation, training, promotion and enforcement of internal procedures and controls, and problem resolution; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:Bachelor's degree in a related field.; Required Experience:Eight (8) years of increasingly progressive management experience in one or more areas that report to this position.; Equivalency:None; Required Certification/License: None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of accounting principles, payroll methods, and extensive knowledge of Department of Labor regulations, federal and state tax regulations, and international tax requirements is required. Knowledge of faculty and/or staff hiring procedures.
SKILLS: Strong interpersonal skills, flexibility, and customer service orientation. Strong analytical, problem solving, and critical thinking skills gained within a complex, demanding work environment. Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of people. Skill in examining and evaluating operations and developing and/or re-engineering operating strategies, systems, and procedures. Skill in developing policy and procedure documentation. Employee development and performance management skills. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze, summarize, and effectively present data.
ABILITIES: Ability to foster a cooperative work environment. Ability to supervise and train assigned staff including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
Oversee the payroll function for the University, to ensure that all payrolls are processed timely and accurately. Oversee and/or perform required reporting and ensure federal, state, and local laws are followed by the department. Oversee, train, and mentor the payroll staff. Build and foster relationships with other University departments, including Human Resource Services, ICT, and Aggie Service Center.

Preferred Qualifications

Special Requirements of the Position

Department Contact:  Ross Justus, rjustus@nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.