Senior Payroll Specialist

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionCLIENT HIGHLIGHTThe Client you will be working for is a Global Leader in design, engineering, and delivery of facilities for high-tech industries. This opportunity will give you the chance to grow your career and contribute to engineering excellence for the high-tech markets of the future, including semiconductors, batteries, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and data centers.LOCATIONRichardson, TXCOMPENSATION$35-40 per hourSCHEDULEOn-site: Monday-Friday (40 hours per week)7:30 AM – 4:30 PM CSTMust be willing to adhere to a flexible schedule (early mornings, extended hours as needed)Hybrid option available after training: 3 days in office / 2 days from homeCONTRACT LENGTH6 months, with strong potential for extension into next yearPOSITION OVERVIEW: Senior Payroll Specialist The Senior Payroll Specialist is responsible for leading accurate and timely payroll processing across a rapidly expanding U.S. workforce, including union, non-union, contract, salaried, and hourly employees. This is a highly technical payroll role requiring deep expertise in system integrations, multi-state compliance, and HRIS/payroll data management—not just “pushing the button” to process payroll.This role will be a key contributor to large-scale payroll integrations as the company doubles its U.S. headcount (expanding from ~2,000 employees across 3 payrolls to 6–7 payrolls). The specialist will work closely with HR, IT, Finance, Legal, Tax, and Operations, as well as global contacts in Europe and Asia, to ensure seamless and compliant payroll operations.RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead biweekly and weekly payroll processing across multiple entities and states, ensuring compliance with complex state-specific rules (e.g., California, Vermont) and union agreements (25+ CBAs).
• Manage payroll for both U.S.-based and global shadow employees, addressing varying wage requirements.
• Oversee payroll integrations during company acquisitions, including system testing, parallel runs, and exception management.
• Review, interpret, and validate data flowing through interfaces and scripts across multiple HRIS and payroll systems.
• Partner with IT on system integrations, middleware, and interface builds (e.g., timeclock changes, new union setups).
• Audit systems and reconcile data to ensure accuracy and integrity of payroll inputs and outputs.
• Serve as first-line support for employee inquiries, ticket resolution, and troubleshooting timecard or payroll discrepancies.
• Process new hire documents, terminations, and personal change notices (PCNs).
• Generate payroll-related reports and reconciliations, including per diem and expense-related payroll adjustments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Legal, HR, IT, Tax, Finance, and Operations) on payroll-related matters.
• Communicate effectively with global contacts in Germany, Singapore, Northern Europe, and North America.
• Contribute to payroll process improvements by identifying creative solutions and thinking outside the box.
• Provide back-up coverage for team members and cross-train across all payroll functions.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 8+ years of progressive payroll experience supporting medium to large employee populations across multiple states.
• Strong technical skills with the ability to interpret, audit, and troubleshoot HRIS/payroll data flows and interfaces.
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, auditing large datasets).
• Prior experience with Oracle (required), SAP S/4Hana (), SuccessFactors HRIS, and timekeeping systems such as GTMS.
• Familiarity with middleware/third-party payroll providers (e.g., Strada, Eureka) highly valued.
• Experience with ADP Vantage Payroll a plus.
• Knowledge of federal and state payroll regulations, as well as union payroll practices.
• Ability to manage sensitive data with discretion and accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable in a client-facing role and liaising with all levels of management.
• Detail-oriented, analytical mindset with the ability to identify issues and design solutions.
• Team player with the flexibility to step in wherever needed and work collaboratively.
• Comfortable working flexible hours to support global contacts and payroll deadlines.

BACKGROUND

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, HR, or IT-related field ( but not required).
• Previous job titles may include Senior Payroll Specialist, HRIS/Payroll Analyst, Payroll Systems Specialist, or Payroll Operations Lead.
• Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) .
• Experience in IT systems or abstract project payroll work a strong plus.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE IN THIS ROLE

• Within 3 months: Ability to independently run payroll processes, validate data accuracy, and serve as a reliable payroll backup.
• Quickly integrate into the team, cross-train across functions, and demonstrate strong problem-solving and process improvement skills.
• Build trust in data outputs and reports through accuracy, attention to detail, and proactive issue resolution.
• Approach challenges with humility, collaboration, and a solutions-driven mindset.