Sr. Payroll Specialist

Crescent Energy•Houston, TX

About The Position

Crescent Energy is seeking a highly experienced Senior Payroll Specialist to oversee and execute complex payroll operations for a multi-state, domestic workforce across both field and corporate environments. This role ensures timely, accurate payroll processing while maintaining exceptional compliance standards and leveraging data to drive continuous improvement. The Payroll Specialist will collaborate closely with HR, Finance, and Operations to support a high-performing, scalable payroll function. We currently partner with OneSource Virtual (OSV) as an outsourced vendor partner and this position will be fully responsible for this relationship ensuring a high level of execution. If you bring deep payroll expertise, thrive in a fast-moving oil and gas setting, and enjoy enhancing processes in a modern HR/Payroll environment, we’d like to hear from you.

Requirements

10+ years of progressive payroll experience, preferably within oil & gas, energy, or industrial environments.
Deep knowledge of payroll laws, FLSA requirements, and multi-state payroll regulations.
Experience processing payroll for diverse workforces including field, corporate, and hourly roles.
High proficiency with Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, reconciliations).
Proven ability to manage sensitive information with discretion and sound judgment.
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to partner effectively across functions.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Workday Payroll or Workday Time Tracking.
CPP, FPC, or related payroll certifications.
Experience supporting high-growth or rapidly changing environments.
Familiarity with oil & gas payroll structures (rotational schedules, field bonuses, etc.)
Experience in payroll with M&A integration

Responsibilities

Payroll Operations & Execution Lead full-cycle, multi-state payroll processing for exempt, non‑exempt, field, rotational, and hourly employees. Current payroll elements include base pay for salaried and hourly personnel, overtime, annual stock and bonus programs, certain taxable benefits and other ad hoc payments.
Review and audit payroll prior to transmission to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Reconcile payroll results, deductions, taxes, and general ledger entries in partnership with Finance.
Compliance & Controls Ensure payroll compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour regulations.
Maintain strict adherence to internal controls, audit practices, and SOX requirements.
Oversee year-end payroll activities, including W‑2 processing, tax reconciliations, and corrections.
Support internal and external audits by providing documentation and system data as needed.
HRIS, Systems, & Process Optimization Serve as a functional expert in payroll systems; Workday experience is highly desirable.
Partner with HRIS and HR Operations to enhance payroll accuracy, streamline workflow, and improve manager/employee self-service.
Participate in testing, updates, and enhancements to payroll modules and system integrations.
Identify and implement process improvements to increase payroll efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
Employee Support & Cross-Functional Collaboration Respond to complex payroll inquiries with a high level of customer service and discretion.
Collaborate with HR, Accounting, Benefits, and Operations to resolve pay issues and support business needs.
Educate managers and employees on timekeeping procedures, payroll policies, and system use.
Data, Reporting & Analytics Assist HRIS in preparing payroll related analytics to identify trends and support business decisions.
Audit employee data and support data integrity efforts across HR and payroll systems.
Provide insights that drive continuous improvement and operational effectiveness.