Overview
The organization is seeking a Senior Payroll Tax Processor for Payroll Tax Operations (PTO). This role resolves payroll tax issues across Notices, Corrections, Amendments, and Pay & File processes. Responsibilities include accurate, timely case resolution in a high-volume environment with a strong focus on technical competence and independent judgment.
Responsibilities
- Execute full-cycle payroll tax case work for assigned accounts, including processing payroll runs accurately, auditing pre- and post-payroll output, managing tax filings and payments, and ensuring compliance across all active jurisdictions.
- Independently research and resolve complex State and Federal payroll tax notices (e.g., balance-due notices, deposit discrepancies, SUI rate change notices, and account mismatch notices), owning each case from intake through closure.
- Prepare comprehensive written responses to tax agencies, including supporting documentation, ensuring submissions meet all deadlines, and confirming receipt.
- Prepare amended payroll tax returns (Form 941-X and state equivalents) on complex amendments, maintaining ownership from start to finish.
- Support payroll correction workflows by identifying error sources, quantifying tax impacts, documenting audit trails, and driving resolution to completion.
- Manage personal work-in-progress queues by prioritizing cases based on SLA deadlines, flagging aging cases, and maintaining detailed case documentation from initial contact through resolution.
- Perform high-level trend analysis of customer data, system data, and agency correspondence to identify process inefficiencies or system deficiencies and recommend improvements.
- Contribute to SOP and knowledge base updates by flagging outdated content, suggesting revisions, and documenting solutions for unresolved issues.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Corrections, Amendments, Pay & File, and Tax Notice teams, serving as a role model for junior staff and seeking coaching and development opportunities from senior team members and managers.
Requirements
- 2–3+ years of direct payroll tax experience, with a strong focus on notice resolution, amended return preparation, and payroll error correction across multiple states.
- Thorough understanding of IRS and state agency notice types, including balance-due notices, penalty assessments, and deposit mismatch notices.
- Experience independently resolving complex payroll tax issues, preparing amended returns such as Form 941-X, and managing multi-state payroll tax compliance.
- Knowledge of federal payroll tax law, including FICA, FUTA, and employment tax deposit schedules.
- Proficiency with payroll platforms and case management systems such as Salesforce, plus advanced Excel/Google Sheets skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for interactions with tax agencies and documentation.
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business, or Finance.
- Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).
- CPP certification (advantageous for candidates with over four years of experience).
- Prior experience in payroll service bureaus, PEOs, or multi-client environments.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive compensation package with performance-based rewards, including base salary, bonuses, and equity options.
- Expected base pay varies by location, including:
- $36.00 – $49.00 in California (Bay Area and Southern California)
- $27.00 – $36.50 in Colorado and District of Columbia
- Other regional adjustments
- Comprehensive benefits, including:
- Health insurance
- Retirement plans
- Paid time off
- Professional development programs
- Flexible work environment supporting work-life balance and continuous growth.
- Additional perks include access to wellness programs, employee discounts, and opportunities for career advancement.
Location
Base pay ranges vary by location (including California, Colorado, and District of Columbia).