Payroll Analyst

THIS IS AN ONSITE PAYROLL POSITION WITH A 9/80 SCHEDULE

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Analyst to oversee and administer payroll operations for a workforce of more than 400 employees based primarily in Carlsbad New Mexico with support for a small remote workforce.

This position serves as the organizations primary payroll expert and is responsible for ensuring accurate timely and compliant payroll processing. As the lead payroll resource the Payroll Analyst plays a key role in payroll systems administration data integrity vendor coordination process improvement and cross-functional initiatives that impact payroll benefits timekeeping and HR operations.

This is an individual contributor role. The Payroll Analyst is expected to take ownership of the full payroll function while remaining actively involved in the day-to-day administration and processing of payroll.

The ideal candidate enjoys working with systems and technology is naturally curious about improving processes and has experience identifying potential challenges before they become problems. This role will be heavily involved in ongoing system optimization efforts and future system integrations.

Essential Responsibilities

• Process and oversee accurate and timely biweekly and semimonthly payrolls for a workforce of more than 400 employees.
• Serve as the organizations primary payroll subject matter expert and lead resource for payroll operations.
• Review and process payroll transactions including new hires terminations promotions transfers bonuses deductions garnishments tax withholdings and leave-related adjustments.
• Audit payroll and timekeeping data investigate discrepancies and ensure timely resolution of issues.
• Maintain payroll records and perform payroll reconciliations balancing quarter-end and year-end activities.
• Administer employee timekeeping systems and ensure accurate timecard approvals and reporting.
• Partner with Human Resources Finance operational leadership and external vendors to maintain accurate employee and payroll information.
• Coordinate payroll-related activities with benefits providers 401(k) administrators and other vendors to ensure accurate employee data flow deductions and system integrations.
• Support payroll tax reporting W-2 processing audits and compliance with applicable federal state and local regulations.
• Serve as a key stakeholder for payroll-related systems including configuration testing troubleshooting integrations optimization efforts and future system implementation projects.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes controls workflows and system functionality while proactively anticipating and addressing operational challenges.
• Maintain the confidentiality and security of payroll tax benefits and employee information.
• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Five or more years of progressive payroll experience supporting a workforce of 400 employees.
• Experience serving as the primary payroll resource payroll lead or sole payroll professional for an organization.
• Experience processing both biweekly and semimonthly payroll cycles.
• Experience administering UKG or similar payroll HRIS timekeeping and employee data management systems.
• Strong knowledge of payroll practices payroll taxes deductions garnishments reconciliations reporting and compliance requirements.
• Experience working with benefits providers retirement plan administrators and payroll-related vendors.
• Demonstrated experience supporting payroll system enhancements integrations implementations upgrades or process improvement initiatives.
• Proven ability to identify process gaps anticipate challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
• Strong analytical organizational communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities meet critical deadlines work independently and maintain strict confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Some college coursework in Business Accounting Human Resources Finance or a related field.
• Experience working within a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) environment or partnering closely with a PEO on payroll benefits administration employee data management and compliance activities strongly preferred.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation.
• Payroll experience within mining oil and gas manufacturing industrial construction utilities or other industrial environments.
• Experience supporting payroll system implementations conversions consolidations or integrations.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills.

Work Environment

This is an on-site position in Carlsbad New Mexico supporting payroll operations within an active mining and industrial environment.

The Payroll Analyst will work primarily in a professional office setting while regularly collaborating with employees supervisors Human Resources Finance and operational leadership across multiple shifts.

The position requires the ability to manage time-sensitive payroll deadlines maintain accuracy while handling multiple priorities and respond professionally to employee inquiries. Additional hours may occasionally be required to support payroll processing deadlines audits or special projects.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The organization is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin age disability veteran status genetic information or any other status protected by applicable federal state or local law.