Payroll Analyst

THIS IS AN ONSITE PAYROLL POSITION WITH A 9/80 SCHEDULE

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Analyst to oversee and administer payroll operations for a workforce of more than 400 employees based primarily in Carlsbad, New Mexico, with support for a small remote workforce.

This position serves as the organization's primary payroll expert and is responsible for ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing. As the lead payroll resource, the Payroll Analyst plays a key role in payroll systems administration, data integrity, vendor coordination, process improvement, and cross-functional initiatives that impact payroll, benefits, timekeeping, and HR operations.

This is an individual contributor role. The Payroll Analyst is expected to take ownership of the full payroll function while remaining actively involved in the day-to-day administration and processing of payroll.

The ideal candidate enjoys working with systems and technology, is naturally curious about improving processes, and has experience identifying potential challenges before they become problems. This role will be heavily involved in ongoing system optimization efforts and future system integrations.

Essential Responsibilities

• Process and oversee accurate and timely biweekly and semimonthly payrolls for a workforce of more than 400 employees.
• Serve as the organization's primary payroll subject matter expert and lead resource for payroll operations.
• Review and process payroll transactions, including new hires, terminations, promotions, transfers, bonuses, deductions, garnishments, tax withholdings, and leave-related adjustments.
• Audit payroll and timekeeping data, investigate discrepancies, and ensure timely resolution of issues.
• Maintain payroll records and perform payroll reconciliations, balancing, quarter-end, and year-end activities.
• Administer employee timekeeping systems and ensure accurate timecard approvals and reporting.
• Partner with Human Resources, Finance, operational leadership, and external vendors to maintain accurate employee and payroll information.
• Coordinate payroll-related activities with benefits providers, 401(k) administrators, and other vendors to ensure accurate employee data flow, deductions, and system integrations.
• Support payroll tax reporting, W-2 processing, audits, and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Serve as a key stakeholder for payroll-related systems, including configuration, testing, troubleshooting, integrations, optimization efforts, and future system implementation projects.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, workflows, and system functionality while proactively anticipating and addressing operational challenges.
• Maintain the confidentiality and security of payroll, tax, benefits, and employee information.
• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Five or more years of progressive payroll experience supporting a workforce of 400+ employees.
• Experience serving as the primary payroll resource, payroll lead, or sole payroll professional for an organization.
• Experience processing both biweekly and semimonthly payroll cycles.
• Experience administering UKG or similar payroll, HRIS, timekeeping, and employee data management systems.
• Strong knowledge of payroll practices, payroll taxes, deductions, garnishments, reconciliations, reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Experience working with benefits providers, retirement plan administrators, and payroll-related vendors.
• Demonstrated experience supporting payroll system enhancements, integrations, implementations, upgrades, or process improvement initiatives.
• Proven ability to identify process gaps, anticipate challenges, and implement effective solutions.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet critical deadlines, work independently, and maintain strict confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Some college coursework in Business, Accounting, Human Resources, Finance, or a related field.
• Experience working within a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) environment or partnering closely with a PEO on payroll, benefits administration, employee data management, and compliance activities strongly preferred.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation.
• Payroll experience within mining, oil and gas, manufacturing, industrial construction, utilities, or other industrial environments.
• Experience supporting payroll system implementations, conversions, consolidations, or integrations.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills.

Work Environment

This is an on-site position in Carlsbad, New Mexico, supporting payroll operations within an active mining and industrial environment.

The Payroll Analyst will work primarily in a professional office setting while regularly collaborating with employees, supervisors, Human Resources, Finance, and operational leadership across multiple shifts.

The position requires the ability to manage time-sensitive payroll deadlines, maintain accuracy while handling multiple priorities, and respond professionally to employee inquiries. Additional hours may occasionally be required to support payroll processing deadlines, audits, or special projects.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The organization is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.