Hillwood, a Perot Company, is a premier real estate investment and development company founded on a culture of integrity, respect, excellence and teamwork. The company is a full-service real estate developer, investor and advisor focused on developing opportunities for investors, partners and communities around the world. See additional details at www.hillwood.com.
Position Summary:
Hillwood is currently looking to hire a qualified Senior Payroll Specialist to join our growing Human Resources team in our Dallas, Texas Headquarters. The Senior Payroll Specialist will be responsible for multi-location payroll processing, reconciliation, and analysis, providing general payroll support to employees and working on special assignments.
This individual should demonstrate advanced proficiency in commonly used applications and payroll systems, along with a strong sense of urgency and a high level of reliability and dependability. A keen attention to detail, commitment to exceptional customer service, and a proactive, “go above and beyond” mindset are essential. The ideal candidate is highly organized, self-directed, capable of managing multiple priorities simultaneously, and driven to see projects through to successful completion with minimal oversight.
Responsibilities:
Payroll Processing & Administration
Analyze, input, process, and audit weekly, semi-monthly, monthly, and interim payrolls across multiple entities and locations
Process commissions and incentive bonus payments on one-off, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual schedules
Enter and maintain accurate employee payroll and benefits data within HRIS (UKG Pro)
Process voluntary deductions including direct deposits, healthcare deductions, and 401(k) contribution
Timekeeping & Data Accuracy
Perform timesheet reconciliation, ensuring accuracy and proper categorization of standard and exception hours
Audit payroll data for discrepancies and resolve issues in a timely manner
Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records and payroll documentation
Compliance & Garnishments
Process involuntary deductions including federal and state tax levies, child support orders, and creditor garnishments in compliance with applicable laws
Research and stay current on payroll-related regulations and tax laws across multiple states
Ensure payroll activities align with federal, state, and local compliance requirements
Accounting & Reconciliation
Complete general ledger postings and payroll account reconciliations
Support month-end and year-end close processes related to payroll
Partner with Accounting to ensure alignment between payroll and financial reporting
Employee Support & Customer Service
Respond to employee inquiries related to payroll in a timely, accurate, and professional manner
Provide guidance on payroll processes, deductions, and pay-related issues
Maintain confidentiality while delivering exceptional internal customer service
Onboarding & Documentation
Intake new hire paperwork for system entry and ensure accuracy for payroll setup
Maintain organized and compliant filing of payroll documentation
Coordinate with broader HR team to ensure seamless onboarding
Systems & Process Improvement
Utilize payroll systems (UKG Pro) to maintain data integrity and optimize workflows
Identify opportunities for process improvement and increased efficiency in payroll operations
Support system testing, upgrades, and implementations as needed
Additional Duties
Support special payroll-related projects and reporting requests
Perform other duties as assigned
Required Skills and Abilities:
Effective communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, and strong computer literacy
Demonstrated analytical and quantitative abilities
Problem solving – identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully
Interpersonal skills – maintains confidentiality, works effectively with others, displays a “can do” attitude, and demonstrates self-awareness
Customer service – responds to requests in a timely manner, is polite and professional in all interactions, and contributes to a team-focused environment
Planning/organizing – prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently, develops realistic timelines, and maintains organized paper and electronic files
Adaptability – adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands, and adjusts priorities as needed
Attention to detail – thoroughly processes written and verbal information, ensuring accuracy while maintaining a strong sense of urgency
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree and payroll certification or specialized training preferred
Minimum of 5 years of prior multi-state payroll experience
Prior experience with UKG or UltiPro required
Proficiency in Microsoft Office products preferred
Demonstrated experience with multi-state payroll processing
Familiarity with end-to-end payroll processes
Proven experience as a payroll coordinator or in a similar role
Professional working proficiency in Spanish highly preferred to support effective engagement and communication across a diverse employee population
Benefits Highlights:
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
Vacation time
Sick time
Holidays
Paid family caregiver leave
Mental health and wellness resources
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
401(k) with company match
Tuition assistance
Additional programs to support Associates and their families
EEO STATEMENT:
Hillwood is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, handicap, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.
Requirements
Required Skills and Abilities:
Effective communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, and strong computer literacy
Demonstrated analytical and quantitative abilities
Problem solving – identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully
Interpersonal skills – maintains confidentiality, works effectively with others, displays a “can do” attitude, and demonstrates self-awareness
Customer service – responds to requests in a timely manner, is polite and professional in all interactions, and contributes to a team-focused environment
Planning/organizing – prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently, develops realistic timelines, and maintains organized paper and electronic files
Adaptability – adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands, and adjusts priorities as needed
Attention to detail – thoroughly processes written and verbal information, ensuring accuracy while maintaining a strong sense of urgency
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree and payroll certification or specialized training preferred
Minimum of 5 years of prior multi-state payroll experience
Prior experience with UKG or UltiPro required
Proficiency in Microsoft Office products preferred
Demonstrated experience with multi-state payroll processing
Familiarity with end-to-end payroll processes
Proven experience as a payroll coordinator or in a similar role
Professional working proficiency in Spanish highly preferred to support effective engagement and communication across a diverse employee population