Payroll Manager

Payroll Manager

The mission of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research, and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees, and the public.

The Payroll Manager serves as a key leader within Payroll Services, responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll for the institution. This role requires strong accounting expertise, sound judgment, and progressive leadership to manage a high-performing team and drive operational excellence.

The incumbent directs and manages the payroll processing staff and schedules, maintains and updates policies and procedures, and ensures compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations. Core responsibilities include supervising the payroll processing function, coordinating special projects, reviewing and enhancing workflows for efficiency, and supporting strategic initiatives. Additional duties may be assigned as needed to support the evolving needs of the department.

The ideal candidate is an experienced payroll leader with strong technical expertise and a proven record managing payroll operations in large, complex, multistate organizations. They have led payroll system implementations or upgrades (e.g., PeopleSoft, Workday), guided pay cycle transitions, and bring deep knowledge of payroll regulations, tax compliance, internal controls, and audits. Skilled at cross-functional collaboration with HR, Finance, IT, and vendors, they ensure efficient and compliant operations. A proven people leader, they excel at developing high-performing teams through mentoring, coaching, and succession planning while driving innovation, compliance, and accuracy in payroll services.

Job-Specific Competencies

Strategic Leadership and Planning

• Contributes to the development and execution of long-term payroll strategies that support institutional goals and workforce needs.
• Partners with HR, Finance, IT, and other stakeholders to align payroll operations with broader organizational initiatives, including ERP implementation and pay cycle transitions.
• Leads change management efforts related to payroll transformations, ensuring clear communication, training, and stakeholder engagement.

Risk Management and Internal Controls

Technology and Systems Optimization

Data Analysis and Reporting

Education

Work Experience

Licenses and Certifications

Other Requirements : Must pass pre-employment skills test as required and administered by Human Resources. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition. This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment. It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.

Additional Information