Senior Payroll Specialist

About Tekmetric Tekmetric is the all-in-one, cloud-based platform helping auto repair shops run smarter, grow faster, and serve customers better. Built by a shop owner and shaped by the needs of the industry, Tekmetric brings together innovation, real-world experience, and a thriving community to help shops thrive - not just survive. From running a shop, to securing payments to engaging customers, our platform simplifies operations so shop owners can focus on what really matters: delivering exceptional service, earning trust, and growing sustainably. Officially founded in Houston in 2017, Tekmetric has grown from a single shop’s vision to the industry’s leading solution - all by staying true to our values of transparency, integrity, innovation, and a service-first mindset.  But we’re not just building software. We’re building a movement. We’re empowering repair shops to rise above the daily grind, create meaningful connections with their customers, and lead the industry forward - one interaction at a time. Come build with us. Join the journey. Shape the future of auto repair. Working the Tekmetric Way At Tekmetric, we’re building a culture where winning matters - not for ego, but because when our customers win, we win together.  We move fast, stay curious, and take full ownership of our results — no excuses, no finger-pointing. If you thrive in ambiguity, take initiative, and view honest feedback as fuel for growth, you’ll feel right at home here. We’re direct but respectful, ambitious yet grounded, and collaborative at every level. Everyone leads through impact and is encouraged to speak up, share ideas, and challenge assumptions (even your manager’s). This is a place for builders, not bystanders. Success here takes focus, follow-through, and a willingness to roll up your sleeves — but if you’re driven by meaningful work and real results, it’s deeply rewarding. You’ll join a team that cares about the work, supports one another, and takes smart risks to achieve bold goals. Be yourself, stay mission-focused, and you’ll thrive. If that energizes you, we can’t wait to meet you. At Tekmetric, great work happens anywhere, but great teams are built through intentional connection. We offer hybrid and remote work models based on your proximity to our office hubs. Because we value in-person collaboration, travel is an expected part of every role. We come together several times a year for team and company-wide offsites to align on goals and strengthen relationships. Attendance at these events is expected and fully supported. What You’ll Do As a Senior Payroll Specialist supporting a high-growth SaaS organization, you will own the end-to-end payroll process across multiple states and ensure payroll is not only processed accurately, but fully reconciled and correctly reflected in the financials. This role sits at the intersection of Payroll, Accounting, and People Operations, requiring both operational excellence and a strong understanding of how payroll impacts the general ledger and month-end close. Key Responsibilities Own End-to-End Payroll Execution Lead semi-monthly and monthly payroll cycles across multiple U.S. states, including international contractor payments Ensure payroll is processed accurately, timely, and in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations Ensure Payroll Accuracy, Controls, and Compliance Review payroll registers, validate inputs (earnings, deductions, benefits), and audit changes prior to final submission Maintain strong internal controls and documentation to support audit readiness Stay current on evolving payroll regulations and ensure compliance across jurisdictions Own Payroll Accounting & GL Integration Prepare and review payroll journal entries, ensuring accurate posting to NetSuite Reconcile all payroll-related balance sheet accounts (wages, taxes, benefits, 401k, accruals, etc.) on a monthly basis Ensure payroll activity ties cleanly to the general ledger and supports an accurate and timely close Manage Complex Payroll Scenarios Accurately process bonuses, commissions, variable compensation, retroactive adjustments, and corrections Calculate and record payroll accruals (bonuses, PTO, commissions) with a strong understanding of timing and financial impact Partner Cross-Functionally Collaborate closely with People & Culture to maintain accurate employee data, benefits, and withholdings Partner with Accounting and FP&A to support financial reporting, accruals, and variance analysis Drive Systems Optimization & Process Improvement Support and improve payroll system integrations (Rippling & NetSuite), ensuring data flows accurately and efficiently Identify opportunities to automate workflows, strengthen controls, and improve payroll operations as the company scales Support Audit & Year-End Processes Prepare payroll-related documentation and reconciliations for audits and internal reviews Support year-end activities, including W-2 processing, 1095-C reporting, and tax filings   What You’ll Bring 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including full ownership of payroll processing in a multi-state environment Experience in a SaaS or high-growth company, with exposure to variable compensation structures (bonuses, commissions, etc.) Deep understanding of U.S. payroll compliance (federal, state, and local regulations) Strong understanding of how payroll impacts the general ledger and financial statements Proven experience preparing payroll journal entries and performing account reconciliations High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and accountability Ability to operate independently and take full ownership of the payroll function Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive mindset Effective communicator who can partner cross-functionally with P&C and F&A Systems-savvy with a focus on process improvement and automation   Required Experience Proven experience owning end-to-end payroll processing (not just supporting or inputting data) Hands-on experience with payroll systems (e.g., Rippling) and ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite) Strong experience with payroll accounting, including: Payroll journal entries Balance sheet reconciliations Accruals (bonuses, PTO, commissions) Payroll-related liabilities (taxes, benefits, 401k) Experience managing complex payroll scenarios (variable comp, corrections, multi-state compliance) Experience supporting audits and year-end reporting (W-2, 1095-C, tax filings) Advanced Excel/Google Sheets skills (lookups, pivots, reconciliations, data validation) Experience working in a multi-entity or high-growth environment preferred Why You'll Love Working With Us Health & Wellness That Have You Covered: Enjoy the flexibility of remote work Competitive base salaries that reflect your value. Generous Paid Time Off, because we know you do your best work when you're well-rested. Support for every stage of life—with paid maternity, parental bonding, and medical leave for you or your loved ones. Comprehensive health benefits, including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription coverage. For employee only, we offer plans that cover 100% of premiums and we cover 50% of costs for families. Prioritizing your mental health: get free, confidential counseling through our partnership with BetterHelp. Investing in Your Future (and Present): 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with 100% employer match on contributions up to 6% - so your future self will thank you. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) to make your money go further. Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance for added peace of mind. Wellness on your terms: get up to $60/month toward fitness, mental health, or almost anything that helps you feel your best. After one year of employment, enjoy a $300 home office setup bonus to help make your space work for you.  Keep growing with support for continuing education - we’re invested in your development.   Most importantly, we have a stellar team of coworkers, a really cool office, and lots of fun activities!   Tekmetric is an equal opportunity employer. We hire hard working individuals, regardless of gender, race or color, ethnicity or national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We know that when our employees feel appreciated and included, they can be more creative, innovative and successful. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. Offices: Remote (Remote);