Sr. Payroll Administrator

CORE LABORATORIES LP; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Core Laboratories LP in Houston, TX is seeking a Senior Payroll Administrator to provide full payroll support, ensure timely processing, and maintain compliance across multiple states and Canada. The role requires a strong background in in-house payroll, tax reporting, and HRIS systems, especially Workday.

You will manage payroll for bi-weekly cycles, prepare journal entries, handle third-party tax filings, and lead process improvements under the Manager of Payroll, while delivering excellent

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance preferred.
• Minimum five years of in-house payroll experience.
• Multi-state payroll tax experience required.
• HRIS system experience, including Workday Payroll.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred.
• Canadian payroll regulations, tax requirements, and related payroll processes highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly multi-state payroll, including garnishments, benefits deductions, and tax withholds.
• Prepare and reconcile payroll journal entries for monthly close.
• Manage payroll tax reporting with third-party providers.
• Administer bonuses, commissions, incentive payments, and other non-routine payroll transactions.
• Review and transmit NACHA files to support employee payments.
• Develop ad hoc payroll analyses and management reports.
• Support audits with payroll records and reconciliations.
• Assist with testing and implementation of payroll system enhancements.
• Audit payroll and employee data in Workday for accuracy.
• Support Canadian payroll processing and regulatory compliance.
• Prepare payroll-related schedules for financial reporting.
• Provide data and analysis for tax reporting.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Customer service

English fluency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance

High school diploma

Tools

Workday

Excel

Word

Outlook

Job description

The Senior Payroll Administrator provides a full range of Payroll support functions for Core Laboratories. This role ensures accurate and timely processing of payroll, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and continuous process improvement. The Senior Payroll Administrator relies on experience and solid business judgment to plan and accomplish goals and meet various payroll deadlines under the general supervision of the Manager of Payroll.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Process bi-weekly multi-state payroll, including garnishments, benefits deductions, and tax withholdings, ensuring compliance with federal and state wage and hour regulations.
• Prepare and reconcile payroll journal entries and related account activity for the monthly financial close.
• Manage payroll tax reporting requirements, including the review and submission of periodic, quarterly, and annual tax files through third-party providers.
• Administer special payroll processes, including bonuses, commissions, incentive payments, and other non-routine payroll transactions.
• Review and transmit bi-weekly NACHA files to support accurate and timely employee payments.
• Develop ad hoc payroll analyses and management reports to support business and leadership decision-making.
• Support quarterly and annual audits by providing requested payroll records, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
• Assist with testing, validation, and implementation of payroll tax, payroll system, and HRIS enhancements.
• Audit payroll and employee data within Workday to ensure accuracy, completeness, and data integrity.
• Support Canadian payroll processing activities and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
• Prepare payroll-related schedules and supporting documentation for financial statement reporting.
• Provide payroll data and analysis to support corporate federal and state income tax reporting requirements.
• Investigate payroll discrepancies and system issues, partnering with Payroll team members and management to identify and implement solutions.
• Maintain compliance with internal controls, accounting policies, SOX requirements, and established payroll procedures.
• Evaluate payroll processes, maintain process documentation, and recommend efficiency and control improvements.
• Deliver exceptional customer service by responding to employee and management payroll inquiries within established service-level expectations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum five years of in-house payroll experience required.
• Multi-state payroll tax experience required.
• HRIS system experience required, including Workday Payroll.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred.
• Canadian payroll regulations, tax requirements, and related payroll processes highly preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

• Excellent computer skills required including proficiency with Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Demonstrated leadership and interpersonal skills required.
• Ability to adapt to change in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills required.
• Attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and strong analytical skills required.
• Must be able to speak, read, and write English fluently.
• Strong customer service skills required.

Core Laboratories, including all of its affiliated and related entities, is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. Employment decisions are made regardless of characteristics including, but not limited to, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, religion, genetic information, protected veteran or uniformed service member status, and any other characteristic protected under applicable law. Core Laboratories is the Reservoir Optimization Company Core Laboratories Inc. is a leading provider of proprietary and patented reservoir description and production enhancement services and products used to optimize petroleum reservoir performance. The Company has over 70 offices in more than 50 countries and is located in every major oil-producing province in the world. We are well-positioned to serve the growing needs of the energy transition while continuing to fulfill the demand for reliable and affordable energy sources like crude oil and natural gas. Our services, products, expertise, and innovations will continue to be essential as our clients meet the growing demand for energy globally. At Core Lab, our values matter: Safety, Honesty and Integrity, Customer Focus, Building Trust, and Employee Development. We regard our employees as our greatest asset. We believe that identifying, attracting, developing, and retaining talent are significant actions because our people are so important.