Office Manager/Payroll - Houston, TX 77041
Temp to Hire
Salary: $65K–$75K annually
Our client is seeking an Accounting & Payroll Specialist to support the initial setup and ongoing operation of payroll and basic accounting for the Houston entity. This role works closely with overseas HR and finance teams as well as US site leadership, and plays a key role in building a solid operational foundation for the US business. It is suited for an experienced, hands-on professional who is comfortable working in a small, early-stage environment and prefers execution-focused work with clear scope and ownership.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll & Employment Administration
· Set up and manage US payroll for the Houston entity using third-party payroll providers (e.g. Gusto, ADP, Rippling)
· Establish payroll processes including pay cycles, tax withholding, and statutory reporting
· Support and execute the transition of employees from EOR arrangements (e.g. Deel) to direct employment
· Manage employee onboarding documentation, including W-4, I-9, and state new-hire reporting
· Maintain payroll records and support year-end filings (W-2, etc.)
Accounting & Finance Operations
· Set up and manage basic accounting operations for the Houston entity
· Handle bookkeeping, AP/AR, expense reimbursements, and cost tracking
· Coordinate with external CPA or tax advisors for federal and Texas compliance
· Support month-end and year-end close activities
Vendor & Cross-functional Coordination
· Act as the primary point of contact for payroll vendors, staffing firms, and accounting partners
· Coordinate with staffing agencies on employment structures and operational requirements
· Work with overseas HR and finance teams to ensure alignment on payroll and employment matters
· Support practical issues related to employee travel or temporary out-of-state work
Immigration Support (Coordination Only)
· Provide payroll and employment information to immigration counsel for visa filings (e.g. H-1B)
· Ensure payroll and employment setup aligns with immigration requirements
Qualifications
· 5–8+ years of hands-on US accounting and payroll experience
· Experience supporting small, growing, or foreign-owned US entities
· Solid understanding of US payroll processes and basic accounting principles
· Comfortable working independently in an early-stage or evolving environment
· Detail-oriented, practical, and execution-focused
· Able to work effectively with stakeholders across time zones
