Lead Payroll Analyst

Lead Payroll Analyst Opportunity | Houston, TX

Growing organization is seeking a Lead Payroll Analyst to serve as the primary payroll operations liaison between internal stakeholders and a managed payroll services provider. This is a highly visible role focused on payroll accuracy, compliance, vendor management, system validation, and process improvement.

• Act as the primary point of contact for outsourced payroll operations and vendor management.
• Validate payroll results, including earnings, deductions, taxes, and net pay.
• Perform manual payroll calculations and reconciliations to ensure accuracy.
• Investigate payroll discrepancies and conduct root cause analysis.
• Partner with HR, Finance, HRIS, and payroll vendors to ensure accurate payroll processing.
• Lead payroll testing efforts, including UAT, system changes, integrations, and upgrades.
• Support multi-state payroll operations, year-end reporting, and complex payroll scenarios.
• Monitor vendor performance and drive issue resolution and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Serve as the payroll subject matter expert for internal stakeholders.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of progressive payroll experience.
• Experience working with outsourced or managed payroll service providers.
• Strong knowledge of multi-state payroll, payroll calculations, and payroll tax structures.
• Experience with enterprise payroll systems such as UKG, ADP, Workday, SAP, or similar.
• Advanced Excel skills, including reconciliations and data analysis.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Preferred CPP certification or ability to obtain.
• Canadian payroll experience.
• Payroll system implementation, integration, or upgrade experience.
• Payroll tax reconciliation and year-end reporting expertise.