Payroll Specialist

Job Title: Payroll Specialist
Location: Houston, TX
Department: Human Resources
Reports To: HR Director / Payroll Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Full-Time Position

On-site

M-F 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and knowledgeable Payroll Specialist to join our Human Resources team. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of payroll processes, compliance requirements, and best practices, along with a proven ability to handle sensitive information with integrity and accuracy. This position requires a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years of experience in payroll administration.

Key Responsibilities:

• Process bi-weekly (or weekly/monthly, as applicable) payroll for all employees accurately and on time
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations
• Maintain employee payroll records, including new hires, terminations, wage changes, and deductions
• Handle payroll-related inquiries from employees and resolve discrepancies promptly
• Review and reconcile payroll reports, tax filings, and wage garnishments
• Coordinate with HR and Finance teams to ensure accurate benefit and compensation reporting
• Prepare and distribute W-2s and other year-end documentation
• Support audits and assist with payroll-related reporting as needed
• Stay current on changes to payroll laws and recommend updates to internal processes as appropriate

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, general business, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field
• Minimum of 2 years of payroll processing experience
• Knowledge of multi-state employment laws is required. ESP manually applies state taxes to traveling techs, and understanding payroll and HR state laws will be necessary for termination and final check distribution.
• Knowledge of Global payroll and international employment laws: Canada.
• Knowledge of Retirement accounts, processing weekly payment contributions.
• Knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, wage and hour laws
• California employment laws
• Proficient in payroll software (e.g., ADP Workforce Solutions, ADP Total Source, Payworks, QuickBooks Payroll, etc.) and MS Excel
• High level of confidentiality, accuracy, and attention to detail
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Able to handle high-volume payroll tasks daily
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with multi-state payroll processing
• Familiarity with benefits administration and timekeeping systems
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification) is a plus