MERARI ARANA
Houston,TX
Summary
Payroll Administrator with hands-on experience managing multi-state, high-volume payroll for 600+ employees in complex, post-merger environments. Strong background in payroll audits, discrepancy resolution, and general payroll processing. Recognized for improving payroll accuracy, building tracking tools, and supporting compliance-driven operations. Actively pursuing Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification to advance technical expertise.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Payroll Administrator
Sekisui House US (Formerly: Chesmar Homes)
The Woodlands, TX
03.2024 - Current
- Process multi-state payroll for 600+ employees with a high level of accuracy across multiple pay cycles
- Review and reconcile payroll discrepancies related to deductions, timekeeping, and adjustments
- Conducted CHESMAR Holiday Payroll Audit, identifying discrepancies and improving audit visibility
- Support benefits-related payroll changes including enrollments, terminations, and deductions
- Partner with senior payroll administrators to resolve complex payroll issues and ensure compliance
- Created tracking tools to improve accuracy and reduce recurring payroll errors
- Contact: Jeanne Toth - 281.932.2714 | jeannetannett@gmail.com
HR/Payroll Specialist
Accent Wire-Tie, Accent Family of Companies
Tomball, TX
02.2018 - 12.2022
- Processed multi-state payroll and managed payroll adjustments including bonuses, commissions, and off-cycle payments
- Transitioned onboarding to a paperless process, improving efficiency and documentation accuracy
- Coordinated benefits enrollment and audits, ensuring accurate deductions and compliance
- Maintained employee records and supported background checks and documentation processes
- Contact: Karen Blair - 281.728.0080
Administrative Assistant/Dispatcher/Billing & HR Support
Sampogna Contracting
Westbury, NY
02.2015 - 06.2017
- Supported payroll, invoicing, and dispatch operations in a high-volume environment
- Managed scheduling, reporting, and compliance documentation for field operations
- Assisted with HR processes including onboarding and employee record maintenance
- Serve as interpreter, translate and disseminate company memos in Spanish.
- Contact: Brett Yonelunas - 516.647.6117
Education
Nassau Community College
Westbury, NYundefined
Queens College
Flushing, NYSkills
- Multi-State Payroll Processing
- Payroll Audits & Reconciliations
- Payroll Adjustments
Benefits & Deductions Administration
- HRIS/Payroll Systems (UKG, Paycom, Paycor)
Excel - Compliance Support Process Improvement
LANGUAGES
Spanish - Native or Bilingual Proficiency
Timeline
Payroll Administrator
Sekisui House US (Formerly: Chesmar Homes)
03.2024 - Current
HR/Payroll Specialist
Accent Wire-Tie, Accent Family of Companies
02.2018 - 12.2022
Administrative Assistant/Dispatcher/Billing & HR Support
Sampogna Contracting
02.2015 - 06.2017
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Queens College
Nassau Community College