Senior Payroll & HRIS Specialist

Highmark Health Company; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Highmark Health is seeking a senior payroll specialist to oversee enterprise-wide payroll processing and HRIS operations. The role requires deep knowledge of complex payroll regulations across unionized and non-unionized, exempt and non-exempt structures, and the ability to provide expert guidance on pay processes and improvements.

The position emphasizes handling multiple priorities, ensuring timely disbursement, and maintaining accurate payroll records, with a focus on quality, compliance, and

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of complex payroll regulations including union and non-union, exempt and non-exempt (including executive level) compensation structures.
• Subject matter expert in pay processes and guidance to ensure high-quality performance.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and provide escalated payroll support enterprise-wide.

Responsibilities

• Process multi-state payroll for a large employee base weekly/bi-weekly/monthly, ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain payroll records, reconcile accounts, generate reports, and prepare for audits (DOL compliance).
• Handle time off, retro adjustments, and overpayments with Gross to Net calculations within FLSA/IRS rules.
• Manage year-end activities and W2 finalization preparations.
• Oversee off-cycle payments, garnishments, and vendor/union liaison support.
• Develop and maintain payroll documentation, SOPs, and training materials.
• Assist with HRIS feature implementations and data validation.
• Lead testing/validation of new payroll procedures and oversee payroll checklists.

Skills

Payroll processing

HRIS management

Regulatory compliance

Analytical thinking

Customer service

Tools

Enterprise Interface Builder (EIB)

Job description

Highmark Health is seeking a senior payroll specialist to oversee enterprise-wide payroll processing and HRIS operations. The role requires deep knowledge of complex payroll regulations across unionized and non-unionized, exempt and non-exempt structures, and the ability to provide expert guidance on pay processes and improvements.

The position emphasizes handling multiple priorities, ensuring timely disbursement, and maintaining accurate payroll records, with a focus on quality, compliance, and