Senior Payroll & HRIS Specialist - Compliance Leader

Highmark Health Company; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Highmark Health is seeking a Senior Payroll Specialist to oversee enterprise-wide payroll operations. You will ensure accurate, timely disbursements across multiple states while maintaining HRIS integrity and regulatory compliance.

The role emphasizes complex calculations, year-end processing, garnishments, and expert-level support for escalated payroll issues across HR and the employee population. Strong analytical and process-improvement skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Core payroll processing for multi-state employees on weekly/bi-weekly/monthly cycles with FLSA compliance.
• Maintain payroll records, reconcile accounts, generate management reports and prepare for audits.
• Handle complex calculations and adjustments including gross-to-net, leave, retro adjustments, and overpayments.
• Manage year-end processing and W-2 finalization workflows.
• Administer garnishments, off-cycle payments, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• HRIS documentation, training materials, SOPs; assist with HRIS feature implementations and data validation.
• Respond to employee inquiries via service system; liaise with vendors and union representatives; provide expert pay issue support.
• Stay current on payroll laws and internal controls; maintain procedures and audit readiness.
• Oversee banking operations, ACH returns, positive pay, wire transfers, and deduction requests.
• Lead testing/validation of payroll changes and oversee the payroll checklist for accuracy.
• Conduct peer reviews of complex payroll tasks and ensure adherence to best practices.

Job description

Highmark Health is seeking a Senior Payroll Specialist to oversee enterprise-wide payroll operations. You will ensure accurate, timely disbursements across multiple states while maintaining HRIS integrity and regulatory compliance.

The role emphasizes complex calculations, year-end processing, garnishments, and expert-level support for escalated payroll issues across HR and the employee population. Strong analytical and process-improvement skills are required.