Senior Payroll Specialist

Company Overview:

Hillwood, 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. See additional details at

Position Summary:

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.

Responsibilities:

Payroll Processing & Administration

• Analyze, input, process, and audit weekly, semi-monthly, monthly, and interim payrolls across multiple entities and locations
• Process commissions and incentive bonus payments on one-off, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual schedules
• Enter and maintain accurate employee payroll and benefits data within HRIS (UKG Pro)
• Process voluntary deductions including direct deposits, healthcare deductions, and 401(k) contributions

Timekeeping & Data Accuracy

• Perform timesheet reconciliation, ensuring accuracy and proper categorization of standard and exception hours
• Audit payroll data for discrepancies and resolve issues in a timely manner
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records and payroll documentation

Compliance & Garnishments

• Process involuntary deductions including federal and state tax levies, child support orders, and creditor garnishments in compliance with applicable laws
• Research and stay current on payroll-related regulations and tax laws across multiple states
• Ensure payroll activities align with federal, state, and local compliance requirements

Accounting & Reconciliation

• Complete general ledger postings and payroll account reconciliations
• Support month-end and year-end close processes related to payroll
• Partner with Accounting to ensure alignment between payroll and financial reporting

Employee Support & Customer Service

• Respond to employee inquiries related to payroll in a timely, accurate, and professional manner
• Provide guidance on payroll processes, deductions, and pay-related issues
• Maintain confidentiality while delivering exceptional internal customer service

Onboarding & Documentation

• Intake new hire paperwork for system entry and ensure accuracy for payroll setup
• Maintain organized and compliant filing of payroll documentation
• Coordinate with broader HR team to ensure seamless onboarding

Systems & Process Improvement

• Utilize payroll systems (UKG Pro) to maintain data integrity and optimize workflows
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and increased efficiency in payroll operations
• Support system testing, upgrades, and implementations as needed

Additional Duties

• Support special payroll-related projects and reporting requests
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Effective communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, and strong computer literacy
• Demonstrated analytical and quantitative abilities
• Problem solving – identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully
• Interpersonal skills – maintains confidentiality, works effectively with others, displays a “can do” attitude, and demonstrates self-awareness
• Customer service – responds to requests in a timely manner, is polite and professional in all interactions, and contributes to a team-focused environment
• Planning/organizing – prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently, develops realistic timelines, and maintains organized paper and electronic files
• Adaptability – adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands, and adjusts priorities as needed
• Attention to detail – thoroughly processes written and verbal information, ensuring accuracy while maintaining a strong sense of urgency

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree and payroll certification or specialized training preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of prior multi-state payroll experience
• Prior experience with UKG or UltiPro required
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products preferred
• Demonstrated experience with multi-state payroll processing
• Familiarity with end-to-end payroll processes
• Proven experience as a payroll coordinator or in a similar role
• Professional working proficiency in Spanish highly preferred to support effective engagement and communication across a diverse employee population

Benefits Highlights:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Vacation time
• Sick time
• Holidays
• Paid family caregiver leave
• Mental health and wellness resources
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Tuition assistance
• Additional programs to support Associates and their families

EEO STATEMENT:

Hillwood 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.