Payroll Business Consultant

Department: Business and Student Services

Job Title: Payroll Business Consultant

Position Type: Full-time

Job Goal:

Provide prompt, accurate, and customer-focused support to school districts within Region 6 ESC regarding the use of ASCENDER Business applications, including payroll, personnel, finance, and technical system issues. Assist districts in ensuring compliance with TRS reporting requirements and other state and federal reporting obligations, while delivering guidance, troubleshooting, training, and best-practice solutions to support efficient business office operations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Familiarity with school district or governmental accounting principles, procedures, and best practices.
• Working knowledge of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) Financial Accountability System Resource Guide (FASRG), PEIMS, and local, state, and federal reporting requirements.
• Proficiency in the ASCENDER Business software suite and related applications.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize responsibilities, and complete assignments with minimal supervision.
• Ability to establish, develop, and maintain positive working relationships with school district personnel and Region 6 ESC staff.
• Demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to provide training, support, and project assistance.
• Strong teamwork skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with school districts, Region 6 ESC personnel, and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of data processing concepts and the ability to work with various business and financial data systems.
• Excellent organizational, written, verbal, customer service, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrates professionalism, initiative, and a positive, service-oriented attitude.
• Strong listening, analytical, research, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills, with a commitment to providing timely and effective customer support.
• Demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position.

Experience:

• Minimum of two years of school district finance, business office, payroll, or related experience preferred
• Experience in analyzing, troubleshooting, and resolving issues related to school finance, human resources, payroll, and associated business processes.
• Proven ability to prioritize workload, meet deadlines, and effectively manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Assist in the development, delivery, and ongoing support of ASCENDER Business application services and Texas Retirement System (TRS) processes for school districts.
• Provide consultation and support in the areas of school finance, accounting, payroll, personnel and local, state, and federal reporting requirements.
• Guide and support school districts in meeting TEA mandates, TRS reporting requirements, IRS regulations, and other applicable compliance standards.
• Perform payroll-related services on behalf of school districts, including payroll processing, TRS reporting, and related business operations functions.
• Develop training materials, documentation, and instructional resources; plan and deliver training courses, workshops, and presentations for district personnel.
• Research, analyze, and resolve software, system, and business process issues related to ASCENDER applications and supporting technologies.
• Maintain the highest level of professionalism and confidentiality regarding Region 6 ESC, participating school districts, and sensitive employee and financial information.
• Collaborate effectively with ESC staff, school district personnel, and vendors to provide exceptional customer service and support.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Equipment used:

• Standard Office Equipment, including personal computers and peripherals

Working Environment:

• Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Repetitive hand motions, including frequent keyboarding and use of a mouse; occasional reaching
• Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)
• Environment: May work extended or irregular hours
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress
• Frequent regional travel and occasional state travel