Sr. HR Associate

Sr. HR Associate Role: Sr. HR Associate, (Pre-Payroll Readiness) Pay Rate: Up to $38.00/hr (DOE) Location: Hybrid Downtown Houston, TX 77002 Job Type: Contract / Temp-to-Hire Schedule: MondayFriday, 8:00 AM 5:00 PM LHH Recruitment Solutions is seeking a detail-driven, analytical, and payroll-savvy Sr. HR Associate to support pre-payroll readiness for a leading enterprise client undergoing a major HR transformation. This position is ideal for someone who excels in data validation, multi-state payroll complexity, and process accuracy within a high-volume environment. About the Role Our client continues accelerating its HR transformation, the Sr. HR Associate serves as the subject-matter expert for pre-payroll administration and payroll-impacting HR data. This role owns payroll readiness, leads risk identification, and resolves complex data or tax issues before payroll execution, significantly reducing downstream pay defects. Daily Responsibilities Lead all pre-payroll validation and readiness checks. Identify payroll and tax risks prior to payroll run; coordinate quick and accurate resolution. Partner closely with the Payroll team to ensure clean handoffs and reduce post-payroll corrections. Administer and validate complex HR/payroll changes, including retroactivity and multi-state work location updates. Serve as the Tier 2 escalation point for payroll-tax and payroll-impacting data issues. Support audit preparation, documentation accuracy, and readiness reviews. Coach and provide guidance to Tier 2 and Tier 1 team members. Manage workload aligned to payroll calendars, deadlines, and cutoff cycles. Act as a primary point of contact during pre-payroll windows. Improve workflows, checklists, and control processes to reduce upstream data defects. Partner with CI, HRIS, Payroll, and Tax teams on cross-functional process improvements. Maintain and enhance SOPs, knowledge articles, and training materials. Required Skills & Qualifications Education: Bachelor's in Computer Science, MIS, Business Administration, HR, or related field; OR High School Diploma/GED + 4+ years of relevant HR Ops/Payroll Support experience. Experience: 47+ years in HR Operations, HRIS, or Payroll Support (shared services/Tier 2 preferred). Advanced understanding of HR transactions and their impact on payroll and payroll tax. Strong experience with HRIS/Payroll systems (Oracle HCM, UKG, ADP, etc.). Proven success resolving complex payroll-impacting data issues and functioning as an escalation point. Skills: Excellent attention to detail and analytical capability. Strong communication and stakeholder partnership skills. Ability to lead small projects or improvements within tight timelines. Comfort in high-volume, fast-paced environments. Work Environment Hybrid schedule based in Downtown Houston, TX 77002. Standard business hours with occasional flexibility during critical payroll windows. Professional office environment; accommodations available for individuals with disabilities. Pay Details: $28.00 to $35.00 per hour Search managed by: Laarnie Thompson Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled Military connected talent encouraged to apply

Created: 2026-03-06