Sr Payroll Business Partner

Job Summary

This position reports directly to the Manager of Payroll Business Partners. Works independently with minimal supervision, demonstrating proactive problem-solving and strong ownership of assigned tasks. Possesses in-depth functional knowledge of various payroll systems, including PeopleSoft HCM, UKG Dimensions, FloQast, Intellinetics, and PeopleSoft Financials integrations. Collaborates with stakeholders across departments to gather requirements, analyze needs, and propose solutions for optimizing payroll and time & labor processes. Provides functional configuration input for designing and specifying automated payroll systems. Reviews and evaluates program specifications created by programmers to ensure alignment with business requirements.
Acts as a subject matter expert, readily available to answer questions and offer guidance. Leverages deep expertise and strong interpersonal skills to contribute significantly to seamless and efficient payroll operations. Works collaboratively to identify and implement improvements that align with both payroll functionality and broader organizational goals. Partners with IT, ERP Support, and vendors to implement and maintain in-house and externally developed payroll systems. Acts as a trusted advisor and resource for key payroll stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle, including analysis, requirements gathering, design recommendations, documentation, testing, training, and implementation. Ensures efficient and functional maintenance of complex payroll systems and processes. Understands and translates regulatory concerns to align with business needs.

Minimum Qualifications:

Degrees/Work Experience:
a) Bachelor's degree in business, Accounting, Finance, or related field (AND) Six (6) years of experience in high volume payroll area.

OR

b) High School Diploma with ten (10) years of work experience accepted in lieu of degree.

Licenses & Certifications:
a) American Payroll Association - Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification. (Preferred)

Communication Skills:
a) Above average Verbal Communication (Heavy Public Contact): Able to speak publicly in a training capacity
b) Exceptional Verbal (Public Speaking)
c) Writing/ Correspondence: Technical Writing
d) Writing/Reports

Proficiencies:
a) MS Word: Drafting, proofing, redlining, mail merges, etc.
b) Personal Computer: Advanced. Able to navigate seamlessly around a PC to troubleshoot intermediate issues and resolve.
c) MS Excel: Advanced. Pivots, VLOOKUP's, Formulas, sorting, conditional formatting mass data files.

Job Attributes

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
a) Analytical Abilities: Possesses the ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, and translate insights into actionable solutions.
b) Mathematics: Able to perform complex calculations spanning multiple years
c) Research Knowledge and Abilities: Ability to root cause problems and identify system issues, etc.
d) Statistical Knowledge and Abilities: Ability to reconcile variances between differing subsystems quickly and interpret analytical data points related to the time collection transactional data

Work Schedule:
a) Flexible:
- High Performance: Thrives in demanding environments, consistently exceeding expectations, and managing 45+ hour workweeks as needed.
- Remote Agility: Adapts seamlessly to both remote and onsite work arrangements, prioritizing flexibility and business needs.
- At this time the position will work remotely from a Houston Metropolitan, Texas based home office. Candidate must be able to meet the requirements of Harris Health System's Telecommuting Policies.
- The arrangement is subject to change at the level up leader's discretion.
- The position will report on premise as business needs dictate or as otherwise requested and with minimal notice (i.e. the next day).

Equipment Operated: Standard office equipment including multi-function printers, scanners, copiers, calculators.

Other Special Requirements:

- Taxation: Progressive knowledge of Employment Income Taxes for applying Tax Updates, PUMS and supporting leadership with Year End Processes as needed.
- Knowledge of federal & state wage and hour laws: Progressive ability to interpret laws and use available resources to assist leadership with decisions as needed.
- Involuntary Wage Withholding Rules: Progressive knowledge of: Child Supports, Levies, Bankruptcies, Student Loans, and Wage Assignments to support electronic orders and
other compulsory tech requirements.
- A solid understanding of the opportunities and limitations presented by the applications being supported
- Able to exceed customer expectations for quality and quantity of work product
- Demonstrates adaptability and flexibility even in difficult or complex circumstances
- Fluid understanding of payroll and time collection processes and the related business rules related to the applications being supported
- Participate in after-hours and weekend production changes as business needs dictate
- Provides operational production support
- Strong sense of urgency and follow-up
- Strong understanding of payroll practices and laws preferred.
- Ability to listen and communicate both in written and verbal forms with all staffing levels and stakeholders
- Ability to deal with sensitive and protected data
- Strong collaboration skills to effectively communicate business needs to technical partners and translate them into specifications.
- Demonstrated ability to lead mid-sized teams through complex functional configuration initiatives.
- Proven proficiency documenting processes and functionalities clearly and professionally.
- Experience preparing formalized documentation required.
- Familiarity with SharePoint site builds a strong plus.
- Experience with interfaces and projects to include at least 2 years of Time & Labor Management experience (UKG Dimensions or Kronos version 8 or higher preferred), and 2 years PeopleSoft Payroll or other equivalent ERP experience.
- Assisting with federal W-2's, 941's and unemployment returns, data validation, reporting, and analytics with a minimum of 2 years working with business owners to understand current and future state needs.
- UKG Dimensions experience a strong plus. Assisting with pay period closes, timecard approvals, data validation, reporting and analytics.
- Embraces Change: Enjoys dynamic work environments with frequent shifts in direction, demonstrating strong adaptability and problem-solving skills.
- Reliable and Trustworthy: Prioritizes consistency and dependability, delivering high-quality work on time and exceeding expectations.
- Achievement-Driven: Enjoys tackling challenging tasks and setting ambitious goals, demonstrating a strong desire to succeed.
- Detail-Oriented: Maintains laser focus on intricate details, ensuring accuracy and completeness in all work.
- Stress Resilience: Thrives in fast-paced and demanding environments, maintaining composure and focus under pressure.