Senior Payroll Specialist – Compliance & Reconciliations

Woodside Energy; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job description

Job Description

About the role: Responsible for the accurate resolution of complex payroll queries and cases, performing detailed reconciliations and compliance activities, while maintaining strong foundational payroll processing skills to support payroll execution as required.

Duties and Responsibilities

Key Accountabilities

• High-quality resolution of complex payroll queries and cases with minimal escalation
• Strong foundational payroll processing capability
• Compliance with payroll procedures, controls, and legislation

Technical

• Process and support complex payroll transactions, adjustments, and calculations
• Support statutory filings, internal/external audits, and compliance queries
• Provide expert resolution for employee, HR, Finance, and finance related payroll issues

Work Processes & Systems

• Perform payroll reconciliations and variance checks
• Maintain accurate payroll procedures and controls
• Investigate, troubleshoot and resolve complex payroll cases, variances, and employee queries
• Support post-payroll reviews, SOX audit checks, and compliance activities
• Support system configuration, process improvements, and enhancements (SuccessFactors / Ceridian)

Leadership

• Demonstrate accountability for assigned payroll queries, cases, and deliverables
• Escalate payroll issues, variances, and risks in timely manner
• Provide guidance and coaching to payroll processors on complex matters

Excellence

• Responsible for maintaining high standards of accuracy and attention to detail
• Responsible identifying and raising process improvements
• Support consistent payroll delivery and governance adherence

Skills and Experience

Technical Skills

• Proven experience in resolving complex payroll queries, troubleshooting, and case management in a regulated environment
• Strong analytical, reconciliation, and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail
• Payroll processing experience
• Experience with year-end processes, tax reconciliations, audits, and compliance activities
• Hands‑on familiarity with SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll, SAP HCM, or other enterprise HR/payroll systems
• Ability to interpret and apply payroll policies, procedures, and legislation

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Human Resources, Business, or related field
• Professional payroll certifications such as CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification) preferred

Key Stakeholders

Internal

• HR – Workforce Administration, Benefits, HRBPs
• Finance, Internal Audit

External

• Payroll vendors
• Statutory authorities

Woodside is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce culture, which is supported by our Values. Our aim is to attract, develop and retain a truly diverse and high‑performing workforce.

Diversity encompasses various differences, including but not limited to differences in age, nationality, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, intersex status, gender identity or expression, relationship status, disability, neurodiversity, veteran status, cultural background, thinking styles, experience, family background, including caregiving commitments, and education. Inclusion centres on all employees creating a climate of respect, trust and belonging, where people feel enabled to be their best and authentic version of themselves.

We offer supportive pathways for all employees to grow and develop leadership skills. We encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples and those seeking a more flexible working environment, including part‑time opportunities.

Profile Description

Recognition and Reward

What you can expect from us

• Commitment to your ongoing development, including on-the-job opportunities, formal programs and coaching
• Industry‑leading 18 weeks paid parental leave for primary carer, and maintenance of superannuation or retirement benefits at the current rate during any period of unpaid parental leave for up to 24 months (plus secondary carer leave entitlements)
• Values led culture with a focus on creating a psychologically and physically safe work environment
• Active employee‑led working groups driving initiatives to build an inclusive culture
• Community volunteering opportunities
• Relocation assistance (if required)
• A competitive remuneration package featuring performance-based incentives