HR Payroll Operations Specialist (TE)

Human Resources Payroll Operations Specialist (TE)

This is a temporary employment (TE) opportunity, one-year employment. Are you ready to take on a career where your work directly impacts the lives of thousands of Marylanders every day? Do you thrive in fast-paced environments, enjoy solving real-time challenges, and feel motivated by meaningful public service? If so, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) wants you on our team.

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is recruiting for a Human Resources Payroll Operations Specialist. The Human Resources Payroll Operations Specialist serves as a critical liaison between Human Resources, Payroll, HRIS, and employees to ensure accurate and timely pay. This position is responsible for investigating and resolving payroll-related issues, ensuring HR transactions are accurately reflected in payroll systems, supporting workforce timekeeping processes, and collaborating with HR, Payroll, and HRIS teams to maintain payroll accuracy and compliance.

This position also serves as a key resource for employees and supervisors by providing guidance on payroll matters, timekeeping practices, and the impact of HR actions on employee pay. The Payroll Operations Specialist supports continuous process improvement initiatives, system enhancements, audits, and compliance efforts to promote efficient and accurate payroll operations.

The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, customer-service focused, and highly collaborative, with the ability to manage complex payroll issues, interpret policies and agreements, and maintain confidentiality in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee payroll inquiries and concerns.
• Investigate and resolve payroll issues including missed payments, incorrect pay rates, overtime discrepancies, and other compensation-related concerns.
• Coordinate payroll corrections, adjustments, and off-cycle payments as necessary.
• Provide timely and professional customer service to employees regarding payroll matters.
• Research and communicate payroll resolutions while ensuring compliance with applicable policies and procedures.

HR & Payroll Coordination

• Ensure Human Resources personnel actions are accurately processed and reflected in payroll systems.
• Partner with HR teams to identify and resolve payroll impacts related to personnel transactions.
• Review and interpret policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements as they relate to employee compensation and payroll processing.
• Collaborate with Payroll staff to ensure accurate and timely payroll administration.
• Support communication and coordination between Human Resources, Payroll, and departmental stakeholders.

Timekeeping & Workforce Management

• Assist with reviewing and resolving employee timekeeping and attendance discrepancies.
• Troubleshoot timecard issues and ensure accurate recording of work hours.
• Provide guidance and support to supervisors and managers regarding timekeeping procedures and payroll impacts.
• Monitor workforce management processes to promote payroll accuracy and compliance.

HRIS & Systems Collaboration

• Partner with HRIS and Payroll teams to investigate and resolve system-related payroll issues.
• Assist with testing, validation, and implementation activities for HRIS and payroll system enhancements.
• Participate in User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and system improvement initiatives.
• Support system data integrity and accuracy across HR and payroll platforms.
• Data Integrity & Continuous Improvement
• Track payroll issues, inquiries, and resolutions to identify trends and recurring concerns.
• Assist with payroll audits, compliance reviews, and data validation activities.
• Support continuous improvement efforts related to payroll processes, workflows, and reporting.
• Maintain accurate records, documentation, and tracking tools related to payroll operations.
• Provide reports and analysis to support operational decision-making and process enhancements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a public sector, government, or unionized environment.
• Experience utilizing Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS), preferably Infor.
• Knowledge of payroll regulations, workforce management practices, and employee compensation processes.

Core Competencies

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent customer service and employee support abilities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.