Senior Payroll Specialist

Tekmetric•Houston, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Tekmetric is the all-in-one, cloud-based platform helping auto repair shops run smarter, grow faster, and serve customers better. Built by a shop owner and shaped by the needs of the industry, Tekmetric brings together innovation, real-world experience, and a thriving community to help shops thrive - not just survive. From running a shop, to securing payments to engaging customers, our platform simplifies operations so shop owners can focus on what really matters: delivering exceptional service, earning trust, and growing sustainably. Officially founded in Houston in 2017, Tekmetric has grown from a single shop’s vision to the industry’s leading solution - all by staying true to our values of transparency, integrity, innovation, and a service-first mindset. But we’re not just building software. We’re building a movement. We’re empowering repair shops to rise above the daily grind, create meaningful connections with their customers, and lead the industry forward - one interaction at a time. Come build with us. Join the journey. Shape the future of auto repair. Working the Tekmetric Way At Tekmetric, we’re building a culture where winning matters - not for ego, but because when our customers win, we win together. We move fast, stay curious, and take full ownership of our results — no excuses, no finger-pointing. If you thrive in ambiguity, take initiative, and view honest feedback as fuel for growth, you’ll feel right at home here. We’re direct but respectful, ambitious yet grounded, and collaborative at every level. Everyone leads through impact and is encouraged to speak up, share ideas, and challenge assumptions (even your manager’s). This is a place for builders, not bystanders. Success here takes focus, follow-through, and a willingness to roll up your sleeves — but if you’re driven by meaningful work and real results, it’s deeply rewarding. You’ll join a team that cares about the work, supports one another, and takes smart risks to achieve bold goals. Be yourself, stay mission-focused, and you’ll thrive. If that energizes you, we can’t wait to meet you. At Tekmetric, great work happens anywhere, but great teams are built through intentional connection. We offer hybrid and remote work models based on your proximity to our office hubs. Because we value in-person collaboration, travel is an expected part of every role. We come together several times a year for team and company-wide offsites to align on goals and strengthen relationships. Attendance at these events is expected and fully supported.

Requirements

5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including full ownership of payroll processing in a multi-state environment
Experience in a SaaS or high-growth company, with exposure to variable compensation structures (bonuses, commissions, etc.)
Deep understanding of U.S. payroll compliance (federal, state, and local regulations)
Strong understanding of how payroll impacts the general ledger and financial statements
Proven experience preparing payroll journal entries and performing account reconciliations
High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and accountability
Ability to operate independently and take full ownership of the payroll function
Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive mindset
Effective communicator who can partner cross-functionally with P&C and F&A
Systems-savvy with a focus on process improvement and automation
Proven experience owning end-to-end payroll processing (not just supporting or inputting data)
Hands-on experience with payroll systems (e.g., Rippling) and ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite)
Strong experience with payroll accounting, including: Payroll journal entries, Balance sheet reconciliations, Accruals (bonuses, PTO, commissions), Payroll-related liabilities (taxes, benefits, 401k)
Experience managing complex payroll scenarios (variable comp, corrections, multi-state compliance)
Experience supporting audits and year-end reporting (W-2, 1095-C, tax filings)
Advanced Excel/Google Sheets skills (lookups, pivots, reconciliations, data validation)
Experience working in a multi-entity or high-growth environment preferred

Responsibilities

Own End-to-End Payroll Execution: Lead semi-monthly and monthly payroll cycles across multiple U.S. states, including international contractor payments. Ensure payroll is processed accurately, timely, and in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
Ensure Payroll Accuracy, Controls, and Compliance: Review payroll registers, validate inputs (earnings, deductions, benefits), and audit changes prior to final submission. Maintain strong internal controls and documentation to support audit readiness. Stay current on evolving payroll regulations and ensure compliance across jurisdictions.
Own Payroll Accounting & GL Integration: Prepare and review payroll journal entries, ensuring accurate posting to NetSuite. Reconcile all payroll-related balance sheet accounts (wages, taxes, benefits, 401k, accruals, etc.) on a monthly basis. Ensure payroll activity ties cleanly to the general ledger and supports an accurate and timely close.
Manage Complex Payroll Scenarios: Accurately process bonuses, commissions, variable compensation, retroactive adjustments, and corrections. Calculate and record payroll accruals (bonuses, PTO, commissions) with a strong understanding of timing and financial impact.
Partner Cross-Functionally: Collaborate closely with People & Culture to maintain accurate employee data, benefits, and withholdings. Partner with Accounting and FP&A to support financial reporting, accruals, and variance analysis.
Drive Systems Optimization & Process Improvement: Support and improve payroll system integrations (Rippling & NetSuite), ensuring data flows accurately and efficiently. Identify opportunities to automate workflows, strengthen controls, and improve payroll operations as the company scales.
Support Audit & Year-End Processes: Prepare payroll-related documentation and reconciliations for audits and internal reviews. Support year-end activities, including W-2 processing, 1095-C reporting, and tax filings.

Benefits

Remote work
Competitive base salaries
Generous Paid Time Off
Paid maternity leave
Paid parental bonding leave
Paid medical leave
Comprehensive health benefits, including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription coverage
Free, confidential counseling through BetterHelp
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with 100% employer match on contributions up to 6%
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
$60/month toward fitness, mental health, or other wellness activities
$300 home office setup bonus after one year of employment
Support for continuing education