Payroll Specialist III

Job Overview
Search Solution Group is seeking a Payroll Specialist III on behalf of our client, an aerospace company specializing in small- and medium-lift launch vehicles for commercial launches to orbit. The Payroll Specialist III plays a critical role in ensuring the accuracy, compliance, and operational integrity of all payroll processes across a multi-state, multi-entity environment. As the technical lead for payroll operations, this individual oversees end-to-end payroll execution, regulatory compliance, financial reconciliation, and system governance while partnering closely with HR, Finance, and external vendors. This role ensures precise payroll delivery, supports organizational financial accuracy, and upholds essential internal controls for a highly regulated industry.

Key Responsibilities Payroll Administration & Execution

• Process biweekly, multi-cycle, and off-cycle payrolls across multiple states and entities.
• Review and validate payroll inputs including earnings, deductions, taxes, garnishments, and adjustments.
• Manage final pay compliance and supplemental wage processing (bonuses, commissions, severance).
• Maintain the payroll calendar and uphold payroll governance standards.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations and wage & hour laws.
• Lead year-end payroll strategy including W-2 preparation, reconciliation, and reporting.
• Monitor regulatory changes and work with HR/Legal to reduce compliance risk.
• Support nondiscrimination testing data validation and other regulatory reporting.

Reconciliation & Financial Controls

• Perform payroll general ledger reconciliations and partner with Finance for funding requirements.
• Analyze payroll variances and conduct root cause analysis for discrepancies.
• Design, maintain, and document payroll internal controls.
• Support internal and external audits with accurate, organized reporting.

Payroll Systems & Data Governance

• Serve as the subject matter expert for payroll system configuration (e.g., ADP Workforce Now, Workday).
• Lead payroll-related system enhancements, integrations, testing, and vendor coordination.
• Maintain payroll SOPs and uphold data governance standards.
• Identify automation opportunities and implement process improvements.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner with HR to ensure accurate employee data for payroll processing.
• Coordinate with Benefits to ensure proper deduction setup and reconciliation.
• Collaborate with Finance on accruals, reporting, and financial planning.

Requirements Include Education

• No specific education requirement provided; relevant experience strongly emphasized.

Experience

• 5-7+ years of progressive payroll experience in a multi-state environment.

Skills

• Advanced understanding of payroll tax regulations and compliance requirements.
• Strong Excel capabilities (pivot tables, reconciliations, advanced formulas).
• Proficiency with payroll platforms such as ADP Workforce Now or Workday.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and documentation skills.

Certifications

• FPC or CPP certification preferred.

Knowledge

• Payroll taxation, multi-state compliance, financial reconciliation, and payroll system configuration.
• Regulatory standards and internal control frameworks.

Key Competencies

• Technical payroll expertise
• Analytical problem-solving
• Compliance and risk awareness
• Systems thinking and process discipline
• Leadership maturity and mentorship capability
• Proactive communication and accountability

How to Apply
To apply for this position, please click the "Apply" button at the top right of your screen. Alternatively, you may email your application to View email address on click.appcast.io . Please include your resume and any relevant documents that highlight your qualifications and suitability for the role. We appreciate your interest and look forward to reviewing your application.

Company Overview
Industry: Aviation & Aerospace

Location: Cedar Park, Texas

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Search Solution Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status in our hiring process or employment practices. We believe that a diverse workforce brings unique perspectives and strengths, driving innovation and growth. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to apply and contribute to our team.

Disclaimer
Please note that this job description is not exhaustive and may be subject to change. Additional duties may be assigned as needed to meet the evolving needs of the organization and to ensure the successful completion of projects and objectives.