Accountant V Paymaster in Austin, TX

Description

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Accountant V Paymaster 
Job Title: Accountant V 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: HHSC Accounting 
Posting Number: 12171 
Closing Date: 01/30/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-22 
Salary Range: $5,460.00 - $6,400.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework:  
Travel:  
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 3451,310X,651X,751X,3402,3404,3408,8844,36A,70C,90A,36B,89A,65FX,65WX,6F0X1,F&S,FIN10,LS,LSS,PS,SK 
YN 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

The Accountant V – Paymaster is selected by and reports to the HHSC Accounting Operations Support Manager. The Paymaster performs highly advanced (senior-level) professional accounting work of a complex nature to ensure the accurate and timely processing of payroll adjustments for HHSC employees. Work involves preparing and/or overseeing the preparation of payroll-related financial analyses and reports; establishing, maintaining, and/or overseeing accounting systems, procedures, and controls; reconciling payroll processing reports to ensure the Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System (CAPPS) financials and the Uniform Statewide Accounting System (USAS) balance; serving as the HHSC Accounting liaison and subject matter expert regarding problematic payroll issues; provides technical consultation to HHSC Accounting supervisory staff to identify and resolve salary overpayments; serving as the HHSC representative to initiate collection processes and return of funds to the State Treasury; identifying trends and developing recommendations for process improvements to reduce payroll problems and overpayments; and developing communications for HHSC management and employees regarding critical payroll-related processes and issues. Work is performed under minimal direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment within the limits of applicable state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Researches and resolves payroll errors, handles supervisor/employee inquiries, conducts system research, reconciles payroll processing reports; researches and resolves employee overpayments or leave without pay situations; coordinates the payroll processing for employee separations; and identifies trends and develops recommendations for process improvements to reduce payroll problems. Works closely with HHSC commitment control staff; interacts regularly with HHSC human resources staff, HHSC general ledger staff, HHSC budget personnel, HHSC general counsel staff, HHSC payroll staff, Access HR service center vendor staff, and the Comptroller of Public Accounts staff. 50%

Audits payroll data of multiple monthly payroll transmittals to ensure the reconciliation of payroll processing information to financial system inputs. Ensures CAPPS financials and USAS are balanced. Resolves discrepancies monthly through coordination and follow-up with HHS payroll staff and the Access HR service center vendor staff, as appropriate. 25%

Acts as liaison and HHSC representative for inquiries from employees and/or supervisors regarding employee paychecks and problematic payroll problems. Research CAPPS Human Capital Management (HCM) system for the timing and processing of checks, troubleshoots errors, coordinates pulling employee information for paycheck distributions; and works with payroll warrant distribution to ensure mail codes are current. 15%

Performs other duties as assigned related to the position of HHSC representative and subject matter expert for the accounting functions related to payroll processing. Provides training on paymaster functions; develops methods for the control of cash receipts, deposits, and disbursements and disbursements and the analysis of payroll processing activities for HHSC employees; develops and documents internal procedures and processes; prepares or directs and monitors the preparation of a variety of periodic and special management reports regarding payroll and payroll data for use by HHSC management; and develops communications for HHSC management and employees regarding critical payroll-related processes and issues. 10%

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

1. Thorough knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and practices, of capabilities and limitations of computerized accounting systems, and of applicable laws governing maintenance of accounting and payroll records.
2. Knowledge of finance administration, budget control, and fiscal accounting; and of the agency's financial program, governmental accounting, budget control methods, policies and procedures, and laws and regulations pertaining to fiscal operations.
3. Working knowledge of payroll processing as practiced by state government agencies in order to coordinate the resolution of problems as they occur.
4. Working knowledge of the principles of government accounting.
5. Skill in oral and written communication.
6. Skill in applying computer technology to general accounting activities.
7. Ability to plan, organize, and direct accounting programs; to budget funds; to set up accounting systems; to interpret laws and regulations; to apply accounting theory; and to train, plan, assign, effectively guide and/or supervise the work of others.
8. Ability to prepare concise and orderly reports.
9. Ability to communicate and interact effectively with agency employees and staff.  Ability to perform assigned work independently with a minimum of supervision.
10. Ability to plan, develop and implement work schedules, procedures and methods that enhance the attainment of determined objectives.
11. Ability to interact effectively with peers, managers at various levels, representatives of federal and other state agencies and of private firms.
12. Ability to analyze problems, identify causative factors and apply actions to effectively resolve current and prevent recurrences of problem conditions. Ability to evaluate technological and administrative products and processes in relation to projected section requirements for mid-range and long-range time frames and to effectively recommend acquisition or implementation of those that have benefits measurable in multiples of total cost.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from high school or equivalent. Three years of full-time State or Governmental accounting experience OR two years of full-time State or Governmental accounting experience with at least 30 college credit hours towards a Business Management or Finance/Accounting degree.

Two (2) years of relevant work experience providing customer service, which includes direct correspondence through email and telephone is preferred.

Experience in the use of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, outlook).

Experience with payroll systems and familiarity with payroll operations is preferred.

Additional Information:

N/A

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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor's Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.