Lead Payroll Specialist

Ascent Resources is seeking an experienced Lead Payroll Specialist. This position is located in Oklahoma City, OK and will report to the Vice President of Human Resources.

The Lead Payroll Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring the accurate and timely processing of Ascent Resources payroll and supporting HRIS administration. This position serves as the primary payroll administrator for the organization and requires meticulous attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills. The Specialist handles highly sensitive and confidential information, while also collaborating with other HR functions, Accounting, Treasury, and other key stakeholders as needed. The ideal candidate possesses advanced payroll expertise, hands-on HRIS experience, a continuous improvement mindset, and the ability to lead payroll-related projects and system enhancements while ensuring operational excellence and regulatory compliance.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end payroll function ensuring accurate and timely processing of employee payroll, which includes calculating salaries, deductions, bonuses, and overtime
• Maintain accurate employee records and ensure that any changes to employee information, including new hires, terminations, promotions, and salary adjustments, are properly and promptly reflected in the payroll system
• Administer payroll processing associated with long-term incentive/equity compensation programs, including the accurate taxation, withholding, reporting, and reconciliation of these compensation events
• Administer payroll-related updates within the HRIS system
• Coordinate and oversee payroll-related projects, including HRIS implementations, upgrades, integrations, testing, and process changes
• Examine and confirm timesheets, attendance records, and other pertinent documents to ensure precision and adherence to company policies and legal obligations
• Produce comprehensive reports pertaining to payroll, taxes, and other expenses related to payroll
• Document payroll processes, procedures, and controls to support operational continuity, compliance, and knowledge transfer
• Work together with the Human Resources department to ensure accurate and thorough recording of employee benefits, such as insurance and retirement plans, in the payroll system
• Assist with HRIS system testing, upgrades, integrations, and future system enhancement initiatives
• Continuously monitor and stay abreast of federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations to ensure strict adherence and compliance
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll accuracy, efficiency, reporting capabilities, and employee experience through process and technology enhancements
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee payroll inquiries and payroll-related vendor relationships.
• Provide support in the completion of payroll-related audits and promptly address any inquiries requested by auditors
• Maintain confidentiality of employee information and payroll records at all times
• Other duties assigned as needed

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Minimum Requirements:

• Advanced knowledge of payroll administration, taxation, compliance requirements, and payroll accounting practices
• HRIS experience required, preferably with systems such as ADP Workforce Now, Workday, UKG, Paycom, or similar platforms
• Proficient in using payroll management software and Excel to process and analyze payroll data
• Knowledge of payroll implications associated with long-term incentive and equity compensation plans
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain a high level of accuracy in data entry
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with employees and stakeholders
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with integrity and professionalism
• Analytical mindset to identify and resolve payroll discrepancies and problems
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently as well as part of a team

Education & Work Experience Required

Minimum Requirements:

• 8-10 years of payroll administration experience
• Experience serving as a payroll lead, senior payroll administrator, or primary payroll contact for an organization
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
• In-depth knowledge of payroll regulations and legal requirements
• Strong numerical and analytical skills
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to independently manage payroll operations while maintaining a high degree of accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance

Preferred:

• 10+ years of payroll processing experience including experience processing payroll transactions related to equity compensation and long-term incentive plans
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) strongly preferred
• 2+ years of oil and gas industry experience
• Experience administering payroll through ADP Workforce Now
• Experience supporting and/or leading HRIS implementations, upgrades, or integrations is a plus

Ascent Benefits

• Benefits start day one
• Generous 401(k)
• PTO based on industry or job-related experience
• Tuition assistance after 1 year
• Twelve paid holidays
• Many volunteer opportunities
• On-site gym and yoga studio

Ascent Resources provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Ascent complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.