UKG SME

Kforce's client in Towson, MD that is seeking a UKG SME to provide functional leadership and operational support across HR, Payroll, Benefits, and Compensation processes. This role will oversee UKG-related operations, payroll execution, integrations, system enhancements, issue resolution, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate has deep UKG expertise, strong payroll and HR operations knowledge, and experience supporting complex, high-volume environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary SME for UKG HCM and Payroll functionality
• Support end-to-end payroll processing, validations, reconciliations, and off-cycle payroll activities
• Troubleshoot complex UKG, payroll, benefits, and HR process issues
• Lead root-cause analysis and implement solutions to reduce recurring issues
• Support UKG configuration, workflows, earnings, deductions, eligibility rules, and security access
• Manage HR, Payroll, and Finance system integrations and data flows
• Support benefits administration and compensation processes
• Monitor SLAs, KPIs, ticket volumes, payroll accuracy, and operational performance
• Ensure compliance with payroll regulations, internal controls, and sensitive data requirements
• Support system testing, releases, upgrades, and implementation activities
• Develop and maintain SOPs, process documentation, and system procedures
• Lead process improvements, automation, and system optimization initiatives
• Partner with HR, Payroll, Finance, IT, and business stakeholders to resolve issues and improve operations
• Provide guidance, training, and support to team members and system users
• 8-12+ years of HRIS, Payroll, Benefits, Compensation, or related HR operations experience
• Strong hands-on UKG HCM and Payroll experience
• Strong understanding of end-to-end payroll processing and payroll reconciliations
• Knowledge of the complete employee lifecycle and HR shared services processes
• Experience troubleshooting complex HRIS and payroll issues
• Experience with HR, Payroll, and Finance system integrations
• Knowledge of payroll compliance, internal controls, and PII/PHI requirements
• Strong analytical and root-cause analysis skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Experience working independently and serving as a senior escalation resource

Preferred Qualifications:

• UKG implementation, migration, or transformation experience
• Experience integrating UKG with ERP or Finance systems such as Infor
• Benefits and Compensation administration experience
• Managed services or shared services experience
• Process automation and continuous improvement experience
• Experience supporting system transitions and post-go-live stabilization

Key Skills:

• UKG HCM
• UKG Payroll
• HRIS Administration
• Payroll Processing & Reconciliation
• Benefits Administration
• Compensation
• HR-Payroll-Finance Integrations
• System Configuration
• Root-Cause Analysis
• SLA & KPI Management
• Data Privacy & Security
• Testing & Release Management
• Process Automation
• Operational Governance
• Continuous Improvement
• Stakeholder Management

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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