Sr. Systems, Compensation & Payroll Business Partner

Summary

The Senior People Systems, Compensation & Payroll Business Partner serves as a strategic advisor and technical expert in HR systems, payroll operations, and total rewards. This position leads the design, administration, and optimization of human resources information systems (HRIS), leave management, payroll processing, and compensation programs. The role ensures accurate and compliant payroll administration, fair and consistent compensation practices, and effective data systems that support agency operations and decision-making.

As a key partner to HR leadership, Finance, and internal stakeholders, the position balances operational excellence with forward‑looking strategic support.

Build the people infrastructure that keeps public service moving.

Prosper Portland is a public sector employer and economic development agency serving Portland. We’re hiring a Senior People Systems, Compensation & Payroll Business Partner to strengthen and modernize the operational backbone of our People function. This role sits at the intersection of HR systems, compensation administration, payroll accuracy, and compliance - partnering closely with Finance, IT, and HR colleagues to ensure our practices are efficient, auditable, and employee‑centered.

You’ll lead day‑to‑day ownership of key people systems and workflows, support compensation practices and position changes, and help ensure payroll and data integrity across the employee lifecycle. If you’re the person who sees a messy process and immediately starts mapping a better, one—this is your lane.

Note:

We are accepting applications until 03/01/2026.

• Own and optimize HRIS/people system processes, reporting, and data governance
• Partner on compensation administration (job documentation, pay practices, internal alignment)
• Support payroll coordination, controls, and issue resolution (accuracy, timeliness, audit readiness)
• Build workflows, documentation, and training so managers and employees can self‑serve with confidence
• Translate policy and labor/contract requirements into practical, repeatable processes

• High‑impact work that improves employee experience and operational integrity in the public sector
• Visible partnership across the agency with meaningful autonomy
• Opportunity to help shape systems improvements and future‑state tools

• Serve as lead administrator and technical expert for the agency’s HRIS and related platforms (e.g., UKG).
• Manage system configurations, user roles, integrations, and regular upgrades in partnership with IT and external vendors.
• Ensure data accuracy, system compliance, and reporting capability across all HR systems.
• Coordinate, implement, and track employee use of leave, including protected leave such as FMLA, OFLA, and OPL.
• Develop custom reports and dashboards to support workforce analytics, compliance, and strategic planning.
• Provide end‑user support and training across the agency.

• Oversee the accurate and timely processing of biweekly payroll, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, internal policies, and labor agreements.
• Audit payroll reports and resolve discrepancies related to timekeeping, leave, deductions, and compensation changes.
• Partner with Finance on payroll reconciliation, employee vendor updates in Microsoft Dynamics, tax filings, audits, and year‑end reporting (e.g., W‑2s).
• Maintain payroll documentation and standard operating procedures.
• Provide technical guidance and training to HR and agency staff on payroll processes and related systems

• Administer the agency’s classification and compensation program, ensuring alignment with internal consistency, labor agreements, and market data.
• Conduct job evaluations, salary benchmarking, and FLSA assessments.
• Prepare compensation recommendations and documentation for reclassifications, new hires, and promotions.
• Support collective bargaining efforts with compensation data and analysis.
• Coordinate annual equal pay compliance reviews and develop tools for tracking compensation trends.

• Analyze and synthesize HR, payroll, and…