Senior Payroll & HRIS Operations Lead

Highmark Health Company; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Highmark Health is seeking a Senior Payroll Specialist to manage enterprise-wide payroll operations with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and process improvements. The role requires expertise in multi-state payroll, complex calculations, and strong collaboration with HR and finance teams.

The incumbent will lead payroll processing cycles, support HRIS improvements, and provide expert guidance on escalated payroll issues across the organization.

Qualifications

• Senior-level payroll experience with multi-state compliance
• Strong analytical and process-improvement mindset
• Experience with HRIS/payroll systems and audits
• Excellent stakeholder and vendor liaison abilities

Responsibilities

• Execute and reconcile multi-state payroll on a weekly/bi-weekly/monthly cycle with strict regulatory compliance.
• Maintain payroll records, generate reports, and support audits including DOL compliance.
• Perform complex payroll calculations, time-off, leaves, retroactive adjustments, and garnishments.
• Support year-end activities and W-2 processing; ensure accurate tax withholdings and filings.
• Lead documentation, training, and SOP development for payroll processes.
• Provide expert-level payroll support enterprise-wide and liaison with vendors and unions.

Job description

Highmark Health is seeking a Senior Payroll Specialist to manage enterprise-wide payroll operations with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and process improvements. The role requires expertise in multi-state payroll, complex calculations, and strong collaboration with HR and finance teams.

The incumbent will lead payroll processing cycles, support HRIS improvements, and provide expert guidance on escalated payroll issues across the organization.