Payroll Tax Specialist- Houston, Texas

Coterra is hiring a Payroll Tax Specialist in Houston, Texas

JOB SUMMARY

As a Payroll Tax Specialist at Coterra,

you will ensure accurate and timely compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations. You will manage payroll tax filings, reconciling tax liabilities, resolving discrepancies, and staying current with evolving tax laws. The Payroll Tax Specialist collaborates with Payroll, Finance, and HR teams to support audits, drive process improvements, and maintain data integrity across systems. Additionally, this role ensures payroll is processed accurately, on time, and in alignment with company policies and applicable regulations. This position is onsite at our Houston headquarters.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

- Prepare and file federal, state, and local tax returns - including income, property, and sales taxes - on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis

- Ensure compliance with payroll-related laws and best practices for both employee and employer tax liabilities; provide regulatory guidance to leadership

- Reconcile payroll tax accounts and ensure timely payment of liabilities, including general ledger reconciliation to payroll registers

- Monitor changes in tax laws and regulations; respond to tax notices and resolve discrepancies with tax authorities

- Maintain payroll records in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements, both electronically and in paper format

- Serve as the Payroll team lead, providing guidance, answering questions, and sharing expertise with team members

- Support full-cycle payroll processing, including data entry, validation, reconciliation, and auditing for bi-weekly payrolls using Workday and ADP systems

- Ensure accurate payroll processing for over 1,000 employees, including 500 hourly employees across Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania

- Identify opportunities to improve payroll operations and internal controls; maintain accurate payroll data

- Deliver exceptional customer service to employees and managers regarding pay-related inquiries

- Perform special projects and analytical assignments as needed

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field, or equivalent work experience required

- CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification preferred

- Minimum of 3 years of experience in payroll or a related role

- Experience processing payroll taxes in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Pennsylvania preferred

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

- In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations

- Experience with Workday payroll systems is strongly preferred

- Familiarity with ADP tax systems preferred

- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

- Excellent problem-solving abilities and a proactive, self-starting approach.

- Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy under pressure.

- High sense of urgency and ability to work independently.

- Adaptability to change and a champion for continuous improvement.

- Strong ethics, integrity, and commitment to confidentiality.

- Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills

About Coterra Energy

Coterra is a premier exploration and production company based in Houston, Texas with focused operations in the Permian Basin, Marcellus Shale, and Anadarko Basin. We strive to be a leading energy producer, delivering sustainable returns through the efficient and responsible development of our diversified asset base.

EEO-1 STATEMENT

Coterra Energy Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants and employees are considered for positions and are evaluated without regard to mental or physical disability, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status or any other protected Federal, State/Province or Local status unrelated to the performance of the work involved.