Senior Payroll Administrator

R1 is the leading provider of technology-driven solutions that transform the patient experience and financial performance of hospitals, health systems and medical groups. We are the one company that combines the deep expertise of a global workforce of revenue cycle professionals with the industry’s most advanced technology platform, encompassing sophisticated analytics, AI, intelligent automation, and workflow orchestration. 

Must be located in CST or EST time zone

As our Senior Payroll Administrator, you will be a key member of the payroll team responsible for supporting accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing for a large employee population. This role partners closely with HR, Finance, Benefits, Time & Attendance, and external vendors to ensure payroll cycles run smoothly, payroll data is reconciled and audit-ready, and employee issues are resolved efficiently. The ideal candidate brings strong Workday payroll experience, a high attention to detail, and a hands-on, service-focused mindset.

Here’s what you will experience working as a Senior Payroll Administrator:

Payroll Processing & Operational Support

• Crosstrain to support processing of biweekly (hourly) and semi-monthly (salaried) payroll cycles for 10,000+ employees.
• Support day-to-day payroll activities including validation of payroll inputs, troubleshooting exceptions, and ensuring deadlines are consistently met.
• Assist with payroll testing and implementation activities, including participation in system changes and process improvements.

Workday, Integrations & System Testing

• Leverage strong Workday knowledge to support payroll operations, including monitoring payroll readiness, auditing data, and resolving payroll-impacting issues.
• Ensure Payroll and Leave of Absence integrations process successfully in the HRIS; research and action integration errors/warnings (inbound/outbound and external integrations).
• Test and assist in implementations/enhancements that improve payroll processing efficiency (including support activities tied to solutions such as payroll/timekeeping platforms).

Time & Attendance / Timekeeping Support

• Monitor adherence to timekeeping deadlines and escalate non-compliance trends appropriately.

Employee Support / Case Management

• Serve as first-level support for Payroll inquiries through ServiceNow (or similar ticketing system), including problem identification, research, and resolution of:
  • Employee pay and tax questions
  • System/timekeeping issues impacting pay

Payroll Tax Compliance, Reconciliation, & Reporting

• Analyze income tax wages and liabilities, reconciling payroll results to financial records and supporting audit needs.
• Identify and research discrepancies tied to work state vs. resident state/local tax assignments, preparing analysis and documentation.
•  Administer and maintain ADP SmartCompliance, ensuring accurate and timely transmission of payroll tax data, filings, and payments.
•   Monitor and reconcile payroll tax liabilities between Workday and ADP SmartCompliance, ensuring alignment of federal, state, and local tax reporting.
• Research and resolve tax discrepancies, rejected filings, and system integration issues in collaboration with HRIS, Payroll, and ADP support.

Compliance, Controls & Documentation

• Ensure compliance with internal controls, SOX, and applicable federal/state payroll laws and regulations.
• Maintain payroll files and documentation thoroughly and accurately in accordance with company policy and record retention requirements.
• Validate and audit specialized payroll items, including:
  • Garnishment orders (validate accuracy between vendor and HRIS/system records)

Additional Support

• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all payroll processes, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance.

Required Skills:

• Minimum 7 years of experience in payroll, timekeeping, or a closely related role.
• Strong Workday experience and ADP Smart Compliance supporting payroll operations (payroll processing support, auditing/reconciliation, troubleshooting exceptions).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to research issues, identify root causes, and follow through to resolution.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing deadlines in a high-volume environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and confiden