Payroll Specialist

Overview

This role supports the Payroll Tax Operations team by resolving payroll tax issues accurately and within required timelines. You will manage a high-volume case workload with a high degree of independence, including notice resolution, payroll error correction, and amended return preparation across multiple jurisdictions. The position also involves mentoring junior team members and contributing to process and knowledge updates.

Responsibilities

• Execute full-cycle payroll tax case work for assigned accounts, including processing payroll runs accurately, auditing pre- and post-payroll outputs, managing tax filings and payments, and ensuring compliance across all active jurisdictions.
• Research and independently resolve complex State and Federal payroll tax notices, including balance-due notices, deposit discrepancies, SUI rate change notices, and account mismatch notices, managing each case from intake to closure.
• Prepare comprehensive written responses to agencies, including supporting documentation, and submit responses within required deadlines while confirming receipt and tracking case progress.
• Prepare and file amended payroll tax returns (Form 941-X and equivalents) independently, especially for complex amendments, maintaining ownership throughout the process.
• Support payroll correction workflows by identifying payroll errors, quantifying tax impacts, documenting the audit trail, and driving resolution to completion.
• Manage personal work-in-progress queues with discipline: prioritize cases based on SLA deadlines, flag aging cases, and maintain detailed case documentation from initial contact to resolution.
• Perform high-level trend analysis of customer data, system outputs, and agency correspondence to identify process or system deficiencies and recommend improvements.
• Contribute to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Knowledge Base (KB) updates by flagging outdated content, suggesting revisions, and documenting solutions to unresolved issues.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Corrections, Amendments, Pay & File, and Tax Notice teams; serve as a role model for junior staff and support continuous coaching and development.

Requirements

• 2-3+ years of direct payroll tax experience, including notice resolution, amended return preparation, and payroll error correction across multiple states.
• Thorough understanding of IRS and state agency notices, including balance-due notices, penalty assessments, and deposit discrepancies.
• Proficiency preparing and approving amended federal and state payroll tax returns, such as Form 941-X and W-2c.
• Knowledge of federal payroll tax laws, including FICA, FUTA, and employment tax deposit schedules.
• Expertise in multi-state payroll tax regulations, reciprocal agreements, and local compliance.
• Strong technical skills in payroll platforms and case management systems (including Salesforce), as well as Excel/Google Sheets for case analysis and resolution.
• Preferred: degree in Accounting, Business, or Finance.
• Preferred/advantageous: Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC); Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation is advantageous for candidates with more extensive experience.
• Plus: prior experience in payroll service bureaus, PEOs, or multi-client environments.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Payroll
• Tax Compliance
• Financial Reporting
• Regulatory Knowledge
• Customer Service
• Process Improvement

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation package with a salary range that varies by location. Specific ranges are provided for regions such as California, Colorado, Illinois, and others.
• Performance-based bonuses, equity rewards, and a benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.
• Flexible schedules and remote work options to support work-life balance.
• Training, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities.

Location

Salary range varies by location; specific ranges are provided for regions including California, Colorado, Illinois, and others.