HR / Payroll Specialist — Automotive Dealership Group

About the Group

We're a three-rooftop dealer group serving the Houston market, with roughly 150 employees across sales, service, parts, and administration. We've grown steadily, and we're bringing on a dedicated HR/Payroll Specialist to own the function that keeps every one of those people paid correctly and on time.

The Role

This is a hands-on seat, not a coordinator role. You'll process payroll for all three stores, administer benefits, and handle the day-to-day HR work that comes with a workforce this size. If you've run dealership payroll before, you already know why this job is different from payroll anywhere else — flat-rate techs, commission plans with draws, F&I chargebacks, spiffs, and a dozen pay plans that no two people share.

What You'll Do

Payroll

• Process semi-monthly payroll for all three rooftops, including flat-rate technician hours, sales and F&I commissions, draws, bonuses, spiffs, and chargebacks
  
• Audit time records and pay plan calculations before close; reconcile discrepancies with department managers
  
• Maintain accurate pay plan setup as employees change positions or plans are revised
  
• Handle garnishments, child support orders, and levies
  
• Process new hires, terminations, and final pay in compliance with Texas requirements
  
• Reconcile payroll to the general ledger and support month-end close with the Controller
  
• Manage quarterly and year-end filings, W-2s, and payroll tax reporting
  

Human Resources

• Own onboarding start to finish: offer letters, I-9 and E-Verify, background and MVR checks, drug screening, new hire orientation
  
• Administer benefits including open enrollment, life event changes, COBRA, and carrier reconciliation
  
• Maintain personnel files and HRIS records; ensure compliance with FLSA, FMLA, ACA, and Texas employment law
  
• Manage workers' compensation claims and unemployment claims with the TWC
  
• Support managers on employee relations issues, documentation, and progressive discipline
  
• Track and report on headcount, turnover, and open positions across the group
  

What We're Looking For

Required

• 3+ years processing payroll, with at least 1 year in an automotive dealership or multi-rooftop environment
  
• Working knowledge of dealership pay plans — flat rate, commission, draw against commission, and tiered bonus structures
  
• Hands-on experience with a DMS (CDK, Reynolds & Reynolds, Dealertrack, or Tekion) and a payroll platform (ADP, Paylocity, Paycom, UKG, or Dominion)
  
• Solid Excel skills and genuine comfort auditing your own numbers
  
• Discretion with confidential compensation and employee information
  

Preferred

• Experience supporting multiple rooftops or entities under one group
  
• Benefits administration and open enrollment ownership
  
• Bilingual English/Spanish
  
• PHR, SHRM-CP, or FPC/CPP certification
  

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on dealership payroll experience
  
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  
• 401(k) with company match
  
• Paid time off and paid holidays
  
• Employee vehicle purchase and service discounts
  
• A stable group with a leadership team that doesn't churn