Senior HRIS Specialist - Oracle HCM (Payroll, Time & Labor, Absence)

This role is part of the HRIS team and is responsible for providing both strategic guidance and hands-on support in the administration and ongoing optimization of HR systems, policies, and procedures. The Senior HRIS Specialist supports the daily operation of Oracle HCM Cloud by evaluating and improving HR systems and business processes while ensuring the accuracy and integrity of HR data.

The Senior HRIS Specialist has functional ownership of Oracle HCM Cloud, with a primary focus on Payroll, Time and Labor, and Absence Management modules. This role serves as a subject matter expert (SME), responsible for system configuration, testing, and ongoing support, and partners closely with HR, Payroll, Finance, IT, and third-party vendors to ensure system stability, compliance, scalability, and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate combines deep Oracle HCM functional expertise with strong analytical, problem-solving, and stakeholder communication skills. This individual understands both the technical and user-facing aspects of HR systems and possesses a strong working knowledge of HR-related applications, data structures, and integrations.

This role will initially report to the VP, HR Information Systems (HRIS), but will ultimately follow the direction of the Senior HRIS Manager with a dotted-line relationship to the Assistant Controller – Payroll. 

Detailed Description:

Oracle HCM Functional Ownership

• Act as the primary functional lead and SME for Oracle HCM Payroll, Time and Labor, and Absence Management modules.
• Configure and maintain payroll elements, balances, rates, calendars, costing, and processing rules.
• Support time collection, scheduling, approvals, and integration with payroll.
• Manage absence plans, accrual rules, eligibility profiles, and regulatory leave programs.

Payroll & Time Processing Support

• Partner with Payroll and Time teams to support payroll runs, audits, reconciliations, and year-end activities.
• Troubleshoot payroll and time calculation issues; perform root-cause analysis and recommend solutions.
• Ensure accurate data flow across modules and integrations (GL, Benefits, Finance, third-party providers).

System Enhancements & Optimization

• Lead configuration changes, enhancements, and process improvements aligned with business needs.
• Translate business requirements into functional designs and system solutions.
• Participate in Oracle Quarterly Updates: assess impact, test changes, and coordinate deployments.

Security, Compliance & Controls

• Support module-specific security roles and access controls.
• Ensure system configurations comply with federal, state, and local payroll and labor regulations.
• Assist with internal and external audits, controls, and documentation requirements.

Reporting & Data

• Partner on payroll, time, and absence reporting using Oracle tools and downstream reporting solutions.
• Validate data integrity across upstream and downstream systems.
• Support ad hoc analysis and operational reporting requests.

Testing, Documentation & Change Management

• Develop and execute test plans (unit, integration, UAT) for system changes.
• Create and maintain functional documentation, configuration workbooks, and process flows.
• Support change management, training, and knowledge transfer for HR and Payroll users.

Job Requirements:

• Maintains employee confidentiality and manages sensitive information in an appropriate manner.

• Strong understanding of Oracle HCM Payroll, Time & Labor, and Absence modules.

• Experience supporting complex payroll environments (multi-state, exempt/non-exempt, hourly populations).

• Knowledge of labor laws/regulations, payroll calculations, time rules, accruals, and compliance requirements.
• Ability to analyze complex system issues and recommend effective solutions.
• Experience working with integrations, data files, and payroll vendors.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Strong stakeholder partnership and customer-service mindset.
• Highly organized with the ab