Payroll & Benefits Lead — ADP WFN Expert

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.; Sugar Land (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible health plans

401(k) matching

Generous PTO

Relocation package on US basis

Immigration sponsorships

Job summary

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. is seeking an HR Benefits & Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations and benefits administration on-site in Sugar Land, Texas.

The role ensures accurate, timely payroll through ADP Workforce Now and partners with Finance, HR leadership, and external providers. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in payroll/HR operations, strong ADP WFN expertise, and experience with open enrollment, benefits design coordination, and payroll reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• 5+ years payroll/HR operations with hands-on payroll processing and team leadership.
• Hands-on ADP WFN experience with payroll reports, deductions, and tax functionality.
• Strong federal and multi-state payroll tax knowledge and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee semi-monthly payroll processing through ADP Workforce Now, including adjustments and reconciliations.
• Lead payroll and benefits staff; establish backup coverage and resolve escalations.
• Ensure payroll tax compliance across federal, state, and local levels and liaise with ADP and tax advisors.
• Coordinate benefits administration, open enrollment, and 401(k) plan management with vendors.

Skills

ADP Workforce Now

Timekeeping

Payroll Compliance

Excel

Team Leadership

Multi-State Payroll

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR, Accounting, Finance, Business or related field

Tools

ADP Workforce Now Payroll & Timekeeping

Job description

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. is seeking an HR Benefits & Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations and benefits administration on-site in Sugar Land, Texas.

The role ensures accurate, timely payroll through ADP Workforce Now and partners with Finance, HR leadership, and external providers. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in payroll/HR operations, strong ADP WFN expertise, and experience with open enrollment, benefits design coordination, and payroll reporting.