Sr Payroll Analyst

At ERCOT, our diverse and dynamic work environment provides a platform on which employees can work together to build the future of the Texas power grid and wholesale market utilizing the latest technologies and resources. We encourage you to join our talented, dedicated workforce to develop world-class solutions for today and tomorrow’s energy challenges while learning new skills and growing your career. ERCOT is committed to fostering inclusion at all levels of our company, as it is the cornerstone of our corporate values of accountability, leadership, innovation, trust, and expertise.

About the Role

The Senior HR Payroll Analyst plays a critical role in ensuring the integrity and accuracy of payroll operations across multiple states. This position is charged with processing, analyzing, and reconciling semi-monthly payrolls for employees, utilizing Workday business processes to streamline workflow and maintain compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end processing of semi-monthly payrolls. Ensure that all payroll transactions are completed timely, accurately, and in accordance with established procedures. Process year-end reconciliation and reporting.
• Conduct thorough validation of timecards for hourly employees to guarantee accurate compensation. This includes reviewing entries for errors, inconsistencies, or omissions and making necessary corrections.
• Analyze payroll data outputs to identify patterns, discrepancies, or potential issues. Reconcile payroll records to ensure all payments, deductions, 401(k)/457(b) contributions, annual IRS limits, and adjustments are accurate and accounted for.
• Proactively detect and resolve discrepancies or errors in payroll processing. Collaborate with relevant teams and stakeholders to address issues promptly and prevent recurrence.
• Reconcile and submit quarterly tax reports and amendments. Maintain ongoing awareness and comprehension of annual IRS limits pertaining to taxes, benefit plans, and 401(k) accounts.
• Demonstrate meticulous attention to detail and urgency, balancing priorities and requests with accuracy. Manage multiple tasks efficiently while ensuring precision in all payroll-related activities.
• Work with the Benefits team to process benefit deduction changes, process short-term disability payments, and assist with open enrollment audits.
• Assist employees with payroll and timecard inquiries, delivering exceptional customer service.
• Collaborate with internal and external auditors for annual Workers Compensation, General Liability, Finance, and Payroll audits.
• Participate in Workday HCM/Payroll testing for semi-annual releases.
• Review and update Corporate Standards and Operating Procedures relevant to payroll.
• Manage relationships with payroll fulfillment vendors; reconcile payroll cycle invoices and coordinate quarterly and annual payroll tax filings.
• Support New Hire and Internship onboarding meetings and assist with other HR projects as needed.

Requirements

• Minimum of five years of progressive experience in payroll administration, including analytical responsibilities and demonstrated proficiency with ERP and HRIS systems, specifically Workday Payroll.
• Demonstrated proficiency in payroll administration, with a strong understanding of IRS rules, regulations, and reporting.
• Extensive experience working with Workday Payroll, including business process configuration, reporting, and troubleshooting.
• Proven track record in supporting audit and compliance initiatives, ensuring all payroll activities adhere to legal and organizational standards.
• Extensive experience with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. Familiarity with accounting workflows is essential.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in business administration or a closely related field is required. Alternatively, a combination of relevant education and professional experience that equates to a major in these fields may also be considered.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) – Preferred.
• Workday Pro Payroll – Preferred.

Schedule

Employees will be required to be on-site in Taylor, TX at a minimum of 2 days per week, or more, as needed based on business needs. Remote work is required to be performed from your Texas residence. Employees may opt to work on-site more than required or 100% of the time.

Pay

Expected Salary Range: $74,000 - $102,000