Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist II Saber Power Services is a fully integrated electrical power system services firm providing end-to-end solutions across utility, renewables and battery storage, industrial, petrochemical, and other markets. Based in Houston, Texas, Saber Power offers deep subject matter expertise and uses an engineering-led approach to designing, installing, testing, and maintaining medium and high-voltage electrical infrastructure. Saber serves clients locally, nationally, and abroad. Saber Power Services seeks a Payroll Specialist II to support accurate, timely payroll processing across multiple companies and states and serve as a knowledgeable resource within the payroll team. Position Summary: The Payroll Specialist II performs assigned payroll functions under the Payroll Manager's review, working independently to complete tasks, investigate discrepancies, and resolve issues. This role partners with HR and Accounting to maintain accurate employee records, process complex pay types, and prepare payroll reconciliations and reporting. The specialist is expected to cross-train across the full payroll process, provide dependable backup coverage, and develop into a trusted informal leader within the team. This position is fully onsite at Saber's Clear Lake headquarters in Houston, Texas. No travel is anticipated. Duties and Responsibilities: Perform assigned portions of biweekly payroll processing for multiple companies within ADP, including reviewing time records, applying pay rules, and processing approved expense reimbursements. Review payroll data and results for accuracy and completeness. Identify unusual results or discrepancies, investigate root causes, and follow issues through to resolution in coordination with the Payroll Manager, HR, and Accounting. Cross-train across the full payroll cycle and associated tasks to provide reliable coverage and support continuity of payroll operations. Maintain accurate employee payroll records, including changes to pay rates, job titles, managers, departments, and employment status. Coordinate termination updates with HR and the timing of final payroll processing. Establish and validate new-hire payroll profiles in ADP, including personal information, department assignments, accounting codes, tax information, and timekeeping configurations. Verify direct deposit information and complete required setup in related systems. Apply appropriate treatment of wages, per diem, travel time, report time, and other pay types according to applicable requirements and departmental pay rules. Prepare and reconcile payroll reporting, including biweekly 401(k) reconciliations, payroll job-cost journals, and monthly payroll-related journal entries for Accounting's review. Investigate and resolve discrepancies affecting payroll and job-cost reporting. Support the setup of new state taxing authorities and monitor employee tax assignments and payroll tax information across multiple states. Review and process wage garnishments, including child support orders and payments. Prepare records, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for financial, 401(k), workers' compensation, insurance, and customer-required audits. Serve as a knowledgeable resource for payroll teammates, share process knowledge, and help resolve routine processing questions. Collaborate with HR, Accounting, and other departments to address payroll questions and maintain accurate information while protecting employee confidentiality. Perform other job-related duties as requested by management. Qualifications: Required: At least six years of hands-on payroll experience. Experience using ADP payroll systems. Experience processing multi-state payroll. Understanding of varied pay types and pay rules, including wages, per diem, travel time, and report time. Understanding of payroll job costing and the relationship between payroll data and accounting records. Demonstrated ability to perform payroll functions independently, reconcile data, and resolve discrepancies. Preferred: Construction or field services payroll experience strongly preferred. Experience with ADP Workforce Now, ADP Enhanced Time, or ADP Workforce Manager. Experience processing payroll for multiple companies. Associate degree or college coursework in accounting, business, or a related field. Experience with Microsoft Business Central. Familiarity with I-9 and E-Verify processes to support potential backup coverage for HR. Skills: Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, with the judgment to recognize unusual results and the persistence to investigate and resolve them. High attention to detail and accuracy. Strong Excel skills, including the ability to organize, compare, and reconcile payroll data. Ability to learn complex payroll processes quickly and work independently within established procedures and review requirements. Effective organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to meet recurring deadlines and manage competing priorities. Clear verbal and written communication and effective working relationships across departments. Ability to share knowledge, support teammates, and contribute to team goals. Sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential employee and payroll information. Safety is a Core Value with our organization. We work SAFELY or not at all. We offer an excellent benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and financial future. Our Total Rewards Plan includes a choice of two comprehensive medical plans, dental and vision coverage, and company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance. We also provide company-paid basic life insurance for employees and their dependents. Additional benefits include a 401(k) plan with company matching, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and more. Beyond our benefits, we pride ourselves on fostering an outstanding work environment where employees feel valued and supported. Saber Power Services is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.