Sr. Executive Dir Benefits & Payroll

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Executive Director of Benefits & Payroll leads the district’s comprehensive payroll and employee benefits operations, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant service delivery for all employees. This role is responsible for overseeing payroll processing, benefits administration, and employee support programs while maintaining strong financial stewardship and alignment with district priorities.

The position is part of the Finance and Accounting Services Division and reports to the Chief Finance and Operations Officer, contributing to the district’s mission of supporting student success through operational excellence

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1.        Provides strategic leadership and oversight for all Benefits & Payroll functions, ensuring alignment with district priorities and Finance Division goals.
2.        Leads the planning, organization, and performance management of payroll and benefits teams, including staffing, structure, and professional development.
3.        Oversees all payroll operations, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing across all pay cycles, including regular and off-cycle payrolls.
4.        Ensures compliance with all payroll-related regulations, including TRS reporting, payroll taxes, and applicable wage laws.
5.        Oversees timekeeping systems, payroll calendars, reporting processes, and issue resolution to maintain accuracy and transparency.
6.        Directs administration of employee benefits programs, including medical, voluntary, and retirement offerings.
7.        Oversees the district’s self-insured health plan, including vendor management, claims monitoring, and cost-containment strategies.
8.        Ensures effective benefits enrollment, employee communication, and access to programs that support employee well-being.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

9.        Oversees payroll expenditures and benefits-related financial activity, ensuring accurate funding, reporting, and fiscal accountability.
10.        Maintains compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and ensures strong internal controls and audit readiness.
11.        Partners with Budget, Treasury, and the Controller’s Office to support financial reporting, forecasting, and reconciliation processes.
12.        Oversees Workers’ Compensation, Unemployment Compensation, and retirement-related services, ensuring effective administration and compliance.
13.        Leads process improvements, system implementations, and operational enhancements to increase efficiency and service delivery.
14.        Establishes and monitors key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
15.        Serves as a liaison with internal departments, external vendors, auditors, and regulatory agencies, providing guidance, training, and support to stakeholders.
16.        Other duties as assigned. 

EDUCATION

Bachelor's Degree

WORK EXPERIENCE

5 to 7 years
TYPE OF SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION
Software
Oracle        
TipWeb
Microsoft Office

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Deep knowledge of payroll systems, benefits administration, and regulatory compliance
Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost management
Ability to manage complex operations with high volume and strict accuracy requirements
Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement mindset
High level of integrity and commitment to public stewardship.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Level 5 -Directs two or more levels of management in the development, deployment and ongoing management of key initiatives covering multiple major disciplines with direct accountability for results in terms of effectiveness, costs, methods, and employees. Establishes operational objectives and assignments for multiple disciplines/functional areas and possibly departments. Evaluates recommendations of others, deciding on course of action in ambiguous situations, and oversee the deployment of innovative solutions. Collaborates with senior leadership to develop strategies and broad departmental objectives; establishes methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for p