Payroll Specialist (Contract-to-Hire)

Vopak•Deer Park, TX

23h

About The Position

This contract-to-hire position is responsible for ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time and that the related accounting functions are completed properly. The Payroll Specialist processes payroll and complex expatriate packages across multiple U.S., Canadian, and Joint Venture entities; manages payroll compliance and year-end documentation; performs payroll accounting, reconciliations, reporting, and audit support; administers payroll systems and coordinates with external vendors; and responds to payroll inquiries and discrepancies. The position collaborates with HR, accounting, management, employees, and external parties on payroll-related initiatives. The employee generally works in an office environment and may occasionally visit industrial settings or travel by air, rail, bus, or car. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States; the company will not sponsor immigration or work visas.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field.
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation or equivalent hands-on experience in payroll processing.
At least 5 years of accounting or payroll experience, including expertise with expatriate packages.
Deep understanding of payroll regulations, including FLSA, FICA, FUTA, ACA, and federal, state, and local wage-and-hour laws.
Knowledge of accounting principles and standards, including GAAP, IFRS, FASB, and SOX.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, and data reconciliation.
Proficiency with major accounting and payroll systems, including Workday, Oracle, and ADP, and standard office software.
Strong analytical abilities and a solid grasp of financial management concepts.
Excellent English communication and customer service skills.
Ability to multitask, manage different data formats, and consistently meet tight deadlines in high-stress environments.
Must be eligible to work in the United States; the company does not sponsor immigration or work visas.

Nice To Haves

An advanced degree.
A background in international business, auditing, and financial reporting.
Knowledge of the petroleum, petrochemical, and chemical industries.

Responsibilities

Process accurate and timely payroll and complex expatriate packages across multiple U.S., Canadian, and Joint Venture entities.
Manage tax deposits, statutory filings, and multi-state and multi-country year-end tax documentation to ensure regulatory compliance.
Execute journal entries, monthly payroll accruals, and complex reconciliations.
Support internal and third-party audits.
Generate standard and custom reports covering earnings, headcount, and benefits.
Support the annual compensation budgeting process.
Administer the payroll system, including technical troubleshooting, upgrades, and system implementations.
Serve as the primary liaison for external payroll vendors, review contracts, and verify billing accuracy.
Investigate and resolve pay discrepancies and respond promptly to payroll inquiries from employees, management, and external parties.
Collaborate in cross-functional meetings to align payroll, HR, and accounting initiatives.
Perform other related duties assigned by management within the generally expected scope of the position.