Job Description
Own the UKG payroll ecosystem end-to-end configuration, workflow design, integrations, controls, reporting, and releases to deliver accurate, compliant, on-time payroll for NexCore Group and Experience Senior Living (ESL). Blend deep payroll, benefits, and HR operations expertise with automation, analytics, and AI-enabled workflows to eliminate manual work, strengthen data integrity and audit readiness, and elevate the team member experience. Lead a high-performing team and drive continuous improvement through strong product ownership and disciplined process engineering. This position is hybrid with a preference of 3 days in our Denver office. Key Responsibilities UKG / HRIS Payroll Platform Ownership & Digital Optimization Own UKG payroll as functional product owner: configuration, workflows, timekeeping/payroll integration, and data governance Engineer system-driven validations, controls, and exception reporting to catch issues pre-payroll and reduce rework Drive automation (including AI-assisted workflows where appropriate) to eliminate manual workarounds; document business rules and ensure adoption Lead requirements, testing, and release/change management for UKG upgrades and enhancements; manage impacts to payroll, benefits, and HR processes Partner with People/HR, Benefits, IT, and vendors to ensure clean upstream transactions and scalable integrations/service standards Payroll Operations & Accuracy Lead end-to-end payroll execution with the Payroll Manager for multi-entity, multi-state populations; define ownership, controls, and handoffs Ensure accurate, compliant, on-time payroll through governed calendars, cutoffs, validations, and close procedures Use analytics and automated controls to improve accuracy, predictability, and cycle time Process Design & Workflow Efficiency Redesign hire-to-pay, time-to-pay, and term-to-pay workflows with an automation-first mindset; standardize handoffs and reduce risk Maintain SOPs, control points, and escalation paths; keep documentation current as processes and systems change Prioritize and deliver a continuous improvement roadmap across systems, processes, and service levels as the organization scales Customer Service & Team Member Experience Serve as an escalation point for team members and leaders on payroll/UKG issues; drive fast, accurate resolution Fix issues at the source through system configuration, workflow changes, training, and better data-entry standards Enable self-service through knowledge articles, job aids, FAQs, and manager toolkits aligned to UKG processes Track service standards and issue trends; use reporting to prioritize automation and process improvements Reconciliations, Audit & Compliance Oversee pre- and post-payroll reconciliations with repeatable checklists and system-based controls Ensure audit readiness through documentation, access governance, and system audit trails Partner with Payroll Manager and Accounting on compliance, payroll accounting/GL alignment, and variance resolution Accounting & Finance Partnership Partner with Accounting/Finance on payroll journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, audit documentation, and alignment to financial reporting Support month-end and year-end payroll close activities Qualifications Required Advanced HRIS expertise; ability to translate business needs into UKG configuration, workflows, controls, and measurable outcomes Strong UKG proficiency (UKG Pro preferred), including reporting, testing/release support, and payroll/timekeeping integration 10+ years progressive payroll experience; multi-state and multi-entity required Benefits and HR operations knowledge impacting payroll (eligibility, deductions, leave/LOA, terminations) with ability to ensure clean data flow Strong knowledge of payroll laws, wage and hour compliance, and tax requirements Data-driven, service-oriented leader with high attention to detail and strong stakeholder communication Preferred Industry experience in real estate, healthcare, senior living, or similarly complex environments Led UKG implementations/upgrades/integrations or payroll/timekeeping redesigns CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) preferred Experience supporting growth and scaling organizations Exposure to automation/AI solutions, advanced analytics, or service/case management Key Competencies UKG/HRIS product ownership and payroll optimization Workflow design, automation, and continuous improvement Integrations, testing discipline, and release/change management <