Senior Payroll Speaclist

Overview

A global technology organization focused on simplifying international financial transactions is seeking a Senior Payroll Specialist to join their global Payroll Team based in Austin. This role involves managing end-to-end payroll processes with a primary focus on US payroll operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness across multiple regions.

Responsibilities

• Manage the complete payroll cycle, including daily, weekly, monthly, annual, and ad-hoc payroll tasks, primarily for US payrolls.
• Compile, validate, and submit accurate payroll inputs to third-party providers, ensuring reconciliation with source data.
• Generate and review payroll reports such as pre- and post-payroll journals, General Ledger (GL) files, and custom ad-hoc reports for accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain detailed payroll documentation, audit trails, and historical records to support compliance and internal reviews.
• Collaborate with external vendors, including payroll providers and tax advisors, to optimize payroll accuracy and efficiency.
• Provide payroll transaction support to cross-functional teams and participate in cross-training initiatives to ensure operational redundancy.
• Address payroll-related inquiries from employees, internal teams, and external vendors, ensuring timely resolution within established Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Ensure compliance with all applicable international, federal, state, and local payroll tax laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Lead internal audit preparations and respond to inquiries or notices from regulatory agencies.
• Stay updated on evolving global payroll regulations and serve as a regional subject matter expert.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements, drive efficiencies, and contribute to scaling payroll operations.
• Develop and document standard operating procedures to ensure consistent, high-quality payroll execution.
• Provide strategic insights and contribute to team goals, KPIs, and operational enhancements supporting global expansion.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3+ years of hands-on experience managing end-to-end in-house payroll processes within high-growth, product-led, or technology companies.
• Extensive experience with Workday Payroll, including running payroll cycles, data validation, troubleshooting, and supporting system upgrades or implementations.
• Proven expertise in processing complex multi-state US payrolls with thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local tax regulations.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, formulas, data validation, and handling large data sets.
• Ability to quickly learn new payroll systems.
• Capability to operate effectively in fast-paced, ambiguous environments with independence and innovative problem-solving skills.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Payroll management
• Tax compliance
• Financial reporting
• Process improvement
• Global payroll operations
• Data analysis

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary range: $77,000 to $105,000, depending on experience and location.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Wellness programs.
• Modern office facilities and amenities in Austin.

Location

Austin, Texas, USA