Senior Payroll Specialist

Tekmetric • Houston, TX

16h • Hybrid

About The Position

As a Senior Payroll Specialist supporting a high-growth SaaS organization, you will own the end-to-end payroll process across multiple states and ensure payroll is not only processed accurately, but fully reconciled and correctly reflected in the financials. This role sits at the intersection of Payroll, Accounting, and People Operations, requiring both operational excellence and a strong understanding of how payroll impacts the general ledger and month-end close.

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

• Competitive base salaries that reflect your value.
• Generous Paid Time Off.
• Paid maternity, parental bonding, and medical leave for you or your loved ones.
• Comprehensive health benefits, including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription coverage.
• For employee only, we offer plans that cover 100% of premiums and we cover 50% of costs for families.
• Free, confidential counseling through our partnership with BetterHelp.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with 100% employer match on contributions up to 6%.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).
• Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance.
• $60/month toward fitness, mental health, or almost anything that helps you feel your best.
• $300 home office setup bonus after one year of employment.
• Support for continuing education.
• Stellar team of coworkers, a really cool office, and lots of fun activities!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed