Payroll Specialist

About Us:

Drake is a high-tech manufacturing company based in Cypress, TX. We proudly serve leading customers in aircraft, space, energy, semiconductor, defense, and medical, among countless others. We work together in a collaborative, supportive manner. Our employees are valued, empowered, and provided with hands‑on training. As a growing company, we have ongoing opportunities for career development and professional growth.

At Drake, customers are our focus, and we build success together.

The Payroll Specialist plays a key role in ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time by managing a semi‑monthly payroll using Paymate/Harmony as the primary system. This position owns the internal payroll process end‑to‑end and works closely with HR and Accounting to support a smooth, compliant, and employee‑friendly payroll experience. We’re looking for someone who enjoys working with details, values accuracy and consistency, and takes pride in being a trusted resource for payroll‑related questions.

• Process semi‑monthly payroll accurately and on schedule for hourly and salaried employees.
• Maintain and update employee data, including new hires, terminations, pay changes, deductions, and garnishments.
• Review and validate timekeeping records, PTO usage, and pay adjustments prior to payroll processing.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local wage and hour laws.
• Reconcile payroll reports and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Administer payroll‑related deductions such as benefits, 401(k), taxes, and wage garnishments.
• Prepare and submit payroll tax filings and assist with year‑end processing (W-2s, audits, etc.)
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding pay, deductions, and payroll policies in a timely and professional manner.
• Partner with HR and Accounting to ensure accurate data flow between systems.
• Maintain confidentiality and security of payroll and employee data at all times.
• Provide general administrative support to Accounting, HR, and other departments as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 3+ years of internal payroll processing experience
• Proven experience running semi‑monthly payroll for hourly and salaried employees.
• Hands‑on experience processing payroll in Paymate/Harmony is a plus.
• Strong understanding of payroll tax regulations and compliance requirements.
• High attention to detail with strong reconciliation and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency in Excel and payroll reporting.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Office-based role in a first‑class, professional environment. Work schedule is Monday‑Friday, 8:30 am – 5:30 pm, with flexibility as required for peak periods.

Drake Plastics maintains a drug‑free workplace. All candidates receiving a conditional offer of employment are required to successfully complete a pre‑employment drug screening.