HR Payroll & Operations Analyst

Applied Optoelectronics • Sugar Land, TX

71d

About The Position

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented HR Payroll & Operations Analyst to join our Human Resources team. This position is primarily responsible for managing end-to-end payroll processing and developing HR data analytics to support strategic decision-making. The role ensures accuracy, compliance, and timeliness in payroll operations while maintaining data integrity across HR systems. In addition to the core payroll and analytics functions, this role provides backup support in onboarding and employee communication, ensuring a seamless and positive employee experience throughout the hire-to-pay process. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments to maintain smooth HR and payroll operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• 2-5 years of experience handling payroll for 300-500+ employees, including multi-state payroll processing.
• Proficiency in ADP Workforce Now and other HRIS or payroll systems (similar platforms preferred).
• Strong understanding of payroll principles, tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and related compliance requirements.
• Experience with payroll taxation, garnishments, unemployment claims, and overpayment corrections.
• Demonstrated ability to create and interpret HR data reports and analytics to support management decisions.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, charts, formulas, Vlookups) and strong skills in other MS Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Strong reporting and auditing skills with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet strict payroll deadlines.
• Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and integrity.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for employee support and cross-departmental collaboration.
• Experience conducting or assisting with new hire onboarding and employee orientations is a plus.
• Ability to serve as a backup for HR functions including onboarding, benefits, and general employee support.
• Collaborative team player who can work effectively across HR, Finance, and IT departments.
• Analytical and problem-solving mindset with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Bilingual in Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, or Vietnamese is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing, including collecting and verifying timekeeping data, calculating wages, and ensuring accurate and timely payments.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local tax and labor laws.
• Administer payroll adjustments including overpayments, garnishments, and unemployment claims.
• Reconcile payroll discrepancies and respond promptly to employee payroll and tax inquiries.
• Prepare and maintain payroll reports and records for auditing and compliance purposes.
• Create and maintain HR data reports and dashboards to support data-driven decisions.
• Develop and present HR analytics to identify trends and support management strategies.
• Assist with compensation-related projects through accurate data analysis and benchmarking.
• Prepare required reports and submissions to internal leaders and external agencies.
• Generate monthly and ad hoc HR reports to meet business and compliance needs.
• Conduct regular audits of employee data within HR systems (e.g., ADP Workforce Now) to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance.
• Maintain accurate and confidential payroll and employee records.
• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local regulations and company policies.
• Support internal and external payroll audits and provide necessary documentation.
• Assist with general administrative HR operations and compliance reporting.
• Utilize HR and payroll systems (ADP Workforce Now) for efficient processing and reporting.
• Collaborate with IT to ensure HR system functionality, integration, and data security.
• Identify and recommend system improvements to enhance workflow and accuracy.
• Serve as a backup for communicating payroll policies and updates to employees.
• Provide support and guidance on payroll-related inquiries as needed.
• Serve as a co- or backup to coordinate orientation schedules and onboarding logistics.
• Participate as a backup in employee orientations when required.
• Support the setup of employee profiles in the HR system (ADP Workforce Now) and ensure data readiness for payroll.

Benefits

• Flexible and competitive health (medical, dental, vision) plans offer the employee with the right options to meet individual and family needs.
• Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals.
• Generous PTO policy, with unused PTO payout at end of the year.
• Relocation package available within US.
• Immigration sponsorships (Must be currently authorized to work in the US).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees