Payroll Practitioner IV

Harris Health; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris Health in Houston, Texas is seeking a Payroll Specialist to manage payroll activities including processing, compliance, and data reconciliation. This role involves close collaboration with various departments and ensuring accurate payroll operations.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and five years of experience. Proficiency in MS Excel and payroll software is preferred. Harris Health offers a supportive work environment with eligibility for telecommuting.

Qualifications

• Five years work experience required with progressive growth.
• Experience interpreting time cards and related reports.
• Proficient in MS Excel, Outlook, and Word.

Responsibilities

• Monitor first-touch resolution call center activities.
• Reconcile payroll tax liabilities and oversee bi-weekly payroll processing.
• Ensure pay is accurate and compliant with Federal and State Labor Laws.

Skills

Data analysis

Communication skills

Microsoft Excel

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Accounting, Finance or related field

Tools

Kronos Dimensions

SharePoint

MS Outlook

MS Word

Job description

Overview

Harris Health is the public healthcare safety-net provider established in 1966 to serve the residents of Harris County, Texas. Harris Health champions better health for the entire community, with a focus on low-income uninsured and underinsured patients, through acute and primary care, wellness, disease management and population health services.

Ben Taub Hospital (Level 1 Trauma Center) and Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital (Level 3 Trauma Center) anchor Harris Health's network of 39 clinics and virtual (telemedicine) technology. Harris Health has earned Magnet nursing excellence designation for its hospitals and National Committee for Quality Assurance designation for its patient-centered clinics and health centers.

Job Summary

Position reports directly to the Payroll Manager but will work closely with other Payroll leadership as the business needs demand. May indirectly supervise staff and is a material contributor on System-wide projects (i.e., system upgrades, conversions, new implementations, etc.) while working with cross functional teams such as Information Systems, Human Resources, Nursing, and other stakeholders, as well as customer based teams.

Focus is more specialized on Payroll related activities and projects. May work with other departmental stakeholders on frequently recurring topics. Facilitates paycycle processing, data imports and exports from numerous stakeholders. Interprets and enters involuntary wage withholding orders in accordance with federal and multi-state laws, including complex orders (Competing Orders, Proration’s, Federal Levies, Multiple Child/Spousal Supports Orders, Student Loans, Bankruptcies, State Levies, Garnishments). Facilitates payroll processing, payroll expenses and ensures taxes are paid correctly and on time. Communicates with third-party providers and ensures payroll records and documents are up-to-date and accurate. Assists with preparation of employee W-2 tax statements and related filings.

Responsibilities

• Monitor first-touch resolution call center activities to minimize escalations and reduce processing delays.
• Reconcile payroll tax liabilities and oversee bi-weekly payroll processing.
• Verify payroll transactional data to General Ledger and Accounts Payable; review complex hours and wages calculations.
• Perform research and analysis to correct errors and troubleshoot process or system failures within span of control.
• Submit redlines for recommended improvements to payroll work processes and document business processes.
• Assist Payroll Senior Accountant with reconciling payroll tax liabilities and verifying payroll data to General Ledger and Accounts Payable.
• Ensure pay is accurate and compliant with organizational policies and Federal and State Labor Laws.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and communicate recommendations to leadership.
• Support a high-volume, fast-paced payroll environment and assist with routine functional configuration, pay calendars, queries, and stakeholder training.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Degree: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Accounting, Finance or related field.

Licensure and Certifications

• American Payroll Association – Fundamental Payroll Certificate (FPC), preferred
• American Payroll Association – Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), preferred

Work Experience & Skills

• Five (5) years work experience required with progressive growth; ability to compile and analyze transactional data, perform calculations and data entry.
• Three (3) years interpreting time cards and related reports; two (2) years Kronos Dimensions and SharePoint experience preferred.
• Strong communication skills: public speaking, verbal, writing/correspondence, writing/reports.
• Proficiencies: MS Excel, MS Outlook, MS Word, PC typing 40+ wpm.

Job Attributes

• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Analytical, Mathematics, Research, Statistical.
• Work Schedule: Flexible, Eligible for Telecommute.
• Equipment Operated: Standard office equipment including multi-function printers, scanners, copiers, calculators.

Note: This description reflects the essential functions of the role and is not intended to be all-inclusive. Duties may change at the discretion of Harris Health System.