Senior Payroll Specialist

Senior Payroll SpecialistHillwood, a Perot Company, is a premier real estate investment and development company founded on a culture of integrity, respect, excellence and teamwork. The company is a full-service real estate developer, investor and advisor focused on developing opportunities for investors, partners and communities around the world.Hillwood is currently looking to hire a qualified Senior Payroll Specialist to join our growing Human Resources team in our Dallas, Texas Headquarters. The Senior Payroll Specialist will be responsible for multi-location payroll processing, reconciliation, and analysis, providing general payroll support to employees and working on special assignments.This individual should demonstrate advanced proficiency in commonly used applications and payroll systems, along with a strong sense of urgency and a high level of reliability and dependability. A keen attention to detail, commitment to exceptional customer service, and a proactive, "go above and beyond" mindset are essential. The ideal candidate is highly organized, self-directed, capable of managing multiple priorities simultaneously, and driven to see projects through to successful completion with minimal oversight.ResponsibilitiesAnalyze, input, process, and audit weekly, semi-monthly, monthly, and interim payrolls across multiple entities and locationsProcess commissions and incentive bonus payments on one-off, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual schedulesEnter and maintain accurate employee payroll and benefits data within HRIS (UKG Pro)Process voluntary deductions including direct deposits, healthcare deductions, and 401(k) contributionsPerform timesheet reconciliation, ensuring accuracy and proper categorization of standard and exception hoursAudit payroll data for discrepancies and resolve issues in a timely mannerMaintain accurate and up-to-date employee records and payroll documentationProcess involuntary deductions including federal and state tax levies, child support orders, and creditor garnishments in compliance with applicable lawsResearch and stay current on payroll-related regulations and tax laws across multiple statesEnsure payroll activities align with federal, state, and local compliance requirementsComplete general ledger postings and payroll account reconciliationsSupport month-end and year-end close processes related to payrollPartner with Accounting to ensure alignment between payroll and financial reportingRespond to employee inquiries related to payroll in a timely, accurate, and professional mannerProvide guidance on payroll processes, deductions, and pay-related issuesMaintain confidentiality while delivering exceptional internal customer serviceIntake new hire paperwork for system entry and ensure accuracy for payroll setupMaintain organized and compliant filing of payroll documentationCoordinate with broader HR team to ensure seamless onboardingUtilize payroll systems (UKG Pro) to maintain data integrity and optimize workflowsIdentify opportunities for process improvement and increased efficiency in payroll operationsSupport system testing, upgrades, and implementations as neededSupport special payroll-related projects and reporting requestsPerform other duties as assignedRequired Skills and AbilitiesEffective communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, and strong computer literacyDemonstrated analytical and quantitative abilitiesProblem solving – identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfullyInterpersonal skills – maintains confidentiality, works effectively with others, displays a "can do" attitude, and demonstrates self-awarenessCustomer service – responds to requests in a timely manner, is polite and professional in all interactions, and contributes to a team-focused environmentPlanning/organizing – prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently, develops realistic timelines, and maintains organized paper and electronic filesAdaptability – adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands, and adjusts priorities as neededAttention to detail – thoroughly processes written and verbal information, ensuring accuracy while maintaining a strong sense of urgencyEducation and ExperienceBachelor's degree and payroll certification or specialized training preferredMinimum of 5 years of prior multi-state payroll experiencePrior experience with UKG or UltiPro requiredProficiency in Microsoft Office products preferredDemonstrated experience with multi-state payroll processingFamiliarity with end-to-end payroll processesProven experience as a payroll coordinator or in a similar roleProfessional working proficiency in Spanish highly preferred to support effective engagement and communication across a diverse employee populationBenefits HighlightsMedical InsuranceDental InsuranceVision InsuranceFlexible Spending Accounts (FSA)Health Savings Accounts (HSA)Vacation timeSick timeHolidaysPaid family caregiver leaveMental health and wellness resourcesLife InsuranceDisability Insurance401(k) with company matchTuition assistanceAdditional programs to support Associates and their familiesHillwood is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, handicap, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.