ASSOCIATE SPECIALIST - SPECIALIST - Payroll

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, TX, is seeking a payroll support specialist to join the Payroll Team. You will process timekeeping, employee data changes, and wage-related tasks while collaborating with HR, Benefits, and IT to ensure accurate, timely payroll processing.

The role emphasizes confidentiality, attention to detail, and strong communication. A Bachelor's in Accounting and 0–5 years of relevant experience are required; a valid driver's license is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting required.
• 0-5 years of experience with personal computers and 10-key typing.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to maintain organization and meet tight deadlines.
• Discretion and ability to handle confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Process timekeeping, security, and Service Contract Act updates.
• Coordinate with HR Employee Services on FMLA, LTD, and Workers' Compensation claims.
• Perform employment and wage verifications, new-hire reporting, and wage garnishments.
• Handle employee elections for retirement/direct deposit/W-4 forms, name changes, and deductions.
• Learn and work with various accounting software to perform tasks.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements.
• Demonstrate strong oral and written communication; collaborate across departments.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Discretion

Time management

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Who We Are:

Come join the Payroll Team! Our primary responsibility is to support Institute employees and ensure they are paid correctly and on time. We manage everything from processing timesheets, employee setups, leave processing, and payroll tax administration. You will join a collaborative team that works with other service departments, such as Human Resources, Employee Benefits, and Information Technology, to provide exceptional customer service while managing complex areas such as FMLA, LTD, and Workers' Compensation.

Objectives of this Role:

Develop an understanding of payroll processes and procedures while working with a mentor.Gain experience in complex areas such as the Fair Labor Standards Act, FMLA, LTD, and Workers' Compensation.Leverage strong communication skills to assist employees and other departments with payroll and timekeeping inquiries with accuracy and discretion.Work collaboratively with Human Resources, Employee Services, and Information Technology to ensure seamless payroll operations.Actively participate in identifying process improvements.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Process timekeeping, security, and Service Contract Act updates.
• Work with our HR Employee Services department on FMLA, LTD, and Workers' Compensation claims.
• Perform employment and wage verifications, submit new-hire reporting, and process wage garnishments.
• Process employee election changes for retirement/direct deposit/W-4 forms, returned ACH payroll deposits, updates to include name changes, separating employees, and deductions.
• Ability to learn and work with a wide range of software to perform various accounting functions.
• Strive to identify process improvements.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with all levels of employees and various functional departments to maximize efficiency, problem-solving, and outcomes.

Requirements:

• Requires a Bachelors in Accounting
• 0-5 years: Experience with personal computers with an ability to type and efficiently operate a 10-key. Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• 0-5 years: Knowledge of general business practices and procedures with an ability to maintain organization of assignments to meet tight deadlines.
• 0-5 years: Must be able to exercise discretion and independent judgment. Employees are expected to practice confidentiality.
• 0-5 years: Must be able to exercise diligence, and attention to detail in the completion of assigned tasks and projects.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required

Special Requirements:

Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.

Job Locations:

San Antonio, Texas

Benefits:

For benefits information at our San Antonio location, click here. For benefits information at all other locations, click here.

An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:

race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status.