Senior Platform Architect (Payroll Functional Specialist)

Job Title: Senior Platform Architect (Payroll Functional Specialist)

Location: Remote

Duration: Long term contract

Position Overview

We are seeking an accomplished and detail-oriented Payroll Functional Specialist with deep expertise in payroll operations, HRIS systems, and end-to-end business process optimization. The ideal candidate will possess a strategic, solutions-driven mindset and will play a critical role in ensuring accurate, compliant, and efficient payroll operations while driving continuous improvements across HR and payroll functions. This individual will partner cross-functionally with HR, Finance, and IT teams to deliver scalable payroll processes, elevate system performance, and enable data-driven workforce decisions.

Key Responsibilities

1. Payroll Operations Leadership

• Serve as the organizational subject matter expert (SME) for all payroll-related matters across multi-jurisdictional and multi-entity environments.
• Ensure precise and timely execution of payroll cycles, encompassing gross-to-net calculations, tax withholdings, garnishments, off-cycle payments, and year-end processing.
• Maintain strict adherence to federal, state, and local wage and hour regulations, tax codes, and organizational policies.
• Lead resolution of complex payroll discrepancies, audits, and reconciliations, and ensure data accuracy in integration with general ledger and benefits systems.

2. HRIS Functional Support and Optimization

• Manage the functional aspects of HRIS platforms (Workday, Oracle, SAP SuccessFactors, ADP, Ceridian, etc.) specifically related to payroll, compensation, and timekeeping.
• Collaborate with technical teams to implement configuration changes, enhancements, and integrations with ancillary systems.
• Oversee user acceptance testing (UAT), issue resolution, and change management activities to ensure optimal system adoption and performance.

3. Business Process Design and Improvement

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of existing payroll and HR workflows to identify inefficiencies, risks, and enhancement opportunities.
• Design and implement future-state processes and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in alignment with operational goals and compliance standards.
• Utilize process mapping tools (e.g., Visio, Lucidchart) to develop clear documentation of workflows, control points, and escalation procedures.

4. Compliance and Audit Readiness

• Ensure all payroll activities adhere to internal controls and regulatory compliance, including DOL, IRS, SOX, and other applicable standards.
• Prepare and maintain audit-ready documentation; liaise with auditors and regulatory agencies as required.
• Monitor legislative and policy changes impacting payroll operations and implement necessary updates promptly.

5. Reporting, Analytics, and Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and deliver customized payroll reports and dashboards to support decision-making and executive insights.
• Perform root-cause analyses using quantitative and qualitative data to recommend evidence-based improvements.
• Engage effectively with business leaders, HR, finance, and IT stakeholders to translate functional needs into technical requirements and strategic deliverables.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 10 years of progressive experience in payroll operations and HRIS support within complex enterprise environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in multi-state, multi-entity payroll processing and regulatory compliance.
• Deep knowledge of leading HRIS platforms such as Workday, SAP, Oracle HCM, ADP, Ceridian, or UKG.
• Proven success in leading business process documentation and optimization initiatives within HR and payroll domains.
• Advanced proficiency with Excel, reporting tools (e.g. Power BI, Tableau), and process documentation software.
• Experience with reporting or dashboard design.
• Include metrics like payroll processing accuracy rate, on-time payroll delivery.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills; ability to engage and influence diverse stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) strongly preferred.
• Experience with global payroll operations and third-party provider integrations.
• Familiarity with SDLC and Agile project methodologies.
• Background in highly regulated industries such as healthcare, education, or government is a plus.