TSPB- Payroll Specialist IV

TSABAA; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 67,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

Museum Membership

Job summary

The State Preservation Board in Austin, TX seeks a Payroll Specialist IV to manage all payroll functions under the supervision of the Chief Financial Officer. This senior role requires strong CAPPS and USAS experience, meticulous data handling, and adherence to state regulations.

The position may involve non-standard hours and occasional weekend work. Essential duties include processing payroll transactions, ensuring accuracy of tax withholdings, and supporting audits.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college with a degree in accounting, finance, or business administration.
• Two years’ experience in CAPPS Financials and USAS for the State of Texas.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
• Preferred qualifications include Certified Payroll Professional; bilingual in Spanish and English.

Responsibilities

• Administers and processes all payroll functions in compliance with regulations.
• Reviews, reconciles, and validates payroll data for accuracy.
• Uses CAPPS and USAS to perform payroll processing and reporting.
• Maintains confidential payroll records per retention rules.
• Coordinates payroll data transfers with Human Resources.
• Processes new hires, terminations, and status changes timely.
• Responds to payroll inquiries from employees and leadership.
• Supports audits and training as needed.
• Regular attendance is required.

Skills

CAPPS familiarity

USAS experience

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration

Tools

CAPPS Financials

USAS

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Primary Location: Sam Houston Bldg. – 201 E 14th Street, Austin TX 78701
Position: Full-time, Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
Job Class (Code): Payroll Specialist IV (1294)
Salary Group: B-21
Hiring Range: $6,000 -$7,200 monthly
Job Posting Dates: May 27, 2026 until filled

Organization Overview

The State Preservation Board (SPB) was established for the purpose of preserving, maintaining, and restoring the State Capitol and the 1857 General Land Office, which houses the Capitol Visitors Center. Since that time, Agency operations have expanded to include care of the Governor’s Mansion, operating the Bullock Texas State History Museum, Texas State Cemetery, Capitol Mall and three Capitol Complex legislative office buildings. We provide educational programs centered on Texas history, government and culture. These services benefit the citizens of Texas and its visitors. For more information about the State Preservation Board visit tspb.texas.gov.
Benefits:
Medical, dental, vision and other insurances, a defined benefit pension and 401K retirement plans, parental leave, flexible spending and dependent care accounts options, free parking and free Museum Membership. For more information about State of Texas Employee benefits visit the Employees Retirement System website.

Position Summary

The Payroll Specialist IV reports to the Chief Financial Officer. This position performs highly advanced (senior-level) payroll processing working under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs all payroll functions in accordance with applicable regulations, policies, and procedures. May train others. Performs all other duties as assigned working within deadlines and deliverable outcomes. Must be able to work with the Agency’s 360 day-per-year schedule that may include weekends, evenings or holidays, including on short notice.

Essential Job Duties:

• Administers and processes all payroll functions in compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and procedures, ensuring timely and accurate handling of hours worked, overtime, leave, taxes, terminations, and other payroll actions.
• Reviews, reconciles, and validates payroll data and reports to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts requirements.
• Proficiently utilizes CAPPS and USAS systems to perform payroll processing, data entry, reporting, searches and other administrative tasks.
• Maintains accurate and organized payroll records in accordance with State of Texas retention requirements and ensures strict confidentiality of sensitive employee data.
• Ensures compliance with state and federal payroll tax authorities and ensures the required deduction reports are accurate and timely.
• Coordinates payroll-related data transfers and processes with Human Resources to ensure accurate employee status changes, prevent overpayments, and support effective CAPPS HR/PR operations.
• Processes employee transactions, including new hires, terminations, leave without pay, and other status changes, ensuring timely and accurate compensation.
• Researches, analyzes, and resolves payroll discrepancies; communicates issues and solutions to leadership, including the CFO.
• Provides clear guidance and customer support to employees, supervisors, and external stakeholders regarding payroll procedures and inquiries.
• Implements payroll controls, maintains and updates procedures, and supports audits and compliance reviews.
• Serves as agency’s Leave Accounting Coordinator.
• May develop and conduct specialized payroll trainings for the agency.
• Regular attendance is an essential job duty for all SPB positions.
• Performs all duties as assigned in a manner that promotes public confidence in the SPB and its staff.
• An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Extensive working knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Office and CAPPS (Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel Systems), and ability to learn new software and systems.
• Extensive knowledge of applicable regulations, policies, and procedures, related to payroll.
• Must demonstrate an ability to exercise poise, tact, diplomacy and an ability to establish and maintain positive, working/professional relationships with internal and external customers.
• Demonstrates sustained knowledge of the mission, programs and customers.
• Demonstrates knowledge and continuing compliance with all applicable safety rules, regulations, and standards. Continuously assesses safety conditions to ensure individual and workplace safety.
• Available to work flexible hours that may on occasion include weekends or some holidays.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in accounting, finance, or business administration.
• Two (2) years’ experience in CAPPS Financials and HR/Payroll and USAS for the State of Texas.
• Relevant education and experience can be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English.

Physical and Environmental Demands

• Environment: Office
• Ambulatory skills, e.g., stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, and crouch;
• Hand-eye coordination and arm/hand/finger dexterity;
• Ability to speak, hear, smell, and exercise visual acuity;
• Ability to transfer weights of five (5) pounds anticipated for this position.

Veterans:
Military Occupational Specialty Codes (MOS): Army: 36B Financial Management Technician; Navy: PS Personnel Specialist; Coast Guard: YN Yeoman; Marines: 3432 Finance Technician; Air Force: 3F0X1 Personnel; Space Force: No Military Equivalent
Veterans with other related MOS or additional duties pertaining to the minimum experience requirements may meet the minimum qualifications for this position and are highly encouraged to apply. Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs.
Go to texasskillstowork.com to translate your military work experience and training into civilian job terms, qualifications and skill sets or for additional Military Crosswalk information go to hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions.

EEO Statement: The State Preservation Board is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants without regard to national origin, race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or Veteran status. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you require reasonable accommodation in the interview and selection process, please call the agency’s ADA Coordinator at [phone].

Selection Information: At the time of hire, selected applicants must show proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. All males who are age 18 through 25 are required to register with the Selective Service and may be asked to present proof of registration or exemption from registration upon hire.

The State Preservation Board uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.