Payroll Lead in Austin, Texas at SST Direct

Superior Skilled Trades (SST), a leading skilled trades staffing firm, is seeking a Payroll Lead to oversee payroll and timekeeping processes and responsibilities. This is a hands-on, working Lead role also supporting a team of payroll/timekeeping personnel.

Location: Onsite - Austin, TX
Compensation: $68,000–$75,000 annually, with potential bonus eligibility
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:30 PM

Core Responsibilities

• Support weekly payroll and timekeeping operations for approximately 1,500–2,000+ employees.
• Serve as a hands-on, working Lead for a team of 6+ payroll/timekeeping personnel.
• Assist with daily workload management, task prioritization, issue escalation, and team support.
• Prepare, review, adjust, and finalize reports throughout the week.
• Coordinate with managers and internal stakeholders to confirm hours and resolve discrepancies.
• Audit payroll batches and timekeeping records for accuracy.
• Help ensure payroll deadlines, billing deadlines, and reporting expectations are met.
• Identify recurring payroll/timekeeping issues and help drive process improvements.
• Assist with documenting, improving, and standardizing payroll and timekeeping procedures.
• Provide coaching, guidance, and training support to team members.
• Support evening or weekend work when required in order to meet payroll deadlines or business needs.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a high-volume, deadline-driven payroll or timekeeping environment.
• Ability to lead, support, and coach a team while remaining hands-on in daily work.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to audit payroll/timekeeping data accurately.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
• Ability to identify discrepancies, troubleshoot issues, and follow through to resolution.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and payroll/timekeeping reports.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends based on payroll needs.
• Experience supporting payroll or timekeeping for 1,000+ employees.
• Prior lead, senior payroll specialist, payroll coordinator, or payroll supervisor experience.
• Experience in staffing, construction, industrial services, or high-volume hourly workforce environments.
• Experience with Fieldglass, Timerack, or similar VMS/timekeeping platforms.
• Experience creating, improving, or documenting payroll/timekeeping SOPs.
• Strong process improvement mindset with the ability to identify inefficiencies and recommend solutions.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.