Senior Payroll Specialist

Overview

This role monitors and confirms payroll systems and processes to ensure compliance with state, federal, local payroll rules, and tax regulations. The position ensures updates to payroll tax laws are implemented across all lines of business. Weekly and quarterly audits of current payroll setups are conducted to certify compliance, and a project plan is developed to address any needed changes.

Reporting to the Payroll Manager, the Senior Payroll Specialist works closely with the accounting team, third-party payroll processors, and other groups across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Manage inquiries and requests related to the preparation and distribution of payroll
• Assist in processing multistate payroll transactions, including salaries, bonuses, commissions, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions
• Prepare reports and forecasts for senior management
• Assist with annual merits, increases, special, and retroactive calculations
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of payroll updates, including new hires, terminations, and changes to pay rates
• Assist with payroll integrations with a high degree of accuracy and timeliness
• Coordinate company payroll tax information with the third-party payroll administrator (UKG) and confirm accuracy and timeliness of filings
• Prepare and file local, state, and federal forms, including monthly, quarterly, and year-end filings, and respond to outside agency requests for production
• Research, analyze, and resolve difficult or advanced technical problems or questions from managers, coworkers, and/or outside agency representatives
• Research and interpret complex technical information in response to inquiries
• Maintain employee records and ensure they are up to date
• Verify compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws and best practices; stay current on changes
• Recommend or participate in the development of new procedures and policies related to payroll operations; coordinate approved changes within the payroll processing system; update affected policy/procedure manuals
• Coordinate and interact with federal and state agencies on specialized issues related to employee compensation and deductions
• Facilitate audits by providing records and documentation to auditors
• Address employee and partner payroll-related inquiries and ensure a high level of internal customer service
• Support weekly and bi-weekly payroll processes for sales, union, prevailing wage, and certified payroll requirements
• Conduct multi-state payroll tax research for compliance as needed and perform periodic audits on internal controls
• Initiate payroll processing quality assurance reviews; identify training issues and/or problem-prone processes to ensure efficient, error-free operations

Requirements (Must-Haves)

• Solid understanding of accounting fundamentals, payroll best practices, and US payroll tax
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills; organized, thorough, methodical, and able to use critical thinking skills to solve problems
• Clear and professional communication skills (written and oral), with the ability to write logical, comprehensive, concise reports and correspondence
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively with employees, clients, and colleagues at all levels of the organization
• Skill in evaluating and analyzing technical payroll activities
• Skill in preparing detailed reports and performing detailed computations
• Demonstrated customer service focus and client communication skills
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Self-starter mindset with the ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• Ability to switch tasks and adapt to changing priorities
• Ability to maintain integrity and confidentiality with sensitive information
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field required
• Proficient with payroll software, UKG Pro
• Power BI Reporting experience
• Advanced Excel skills required

Preferred Qualifications (Nice-To-Haves)

• Minimum of 4 years’ experience in payroll processing
• Prevailing wage experience preferred

Compensation & Benefits

• Medical benefits, including vision and dental
• Paid holidays, sick days, and personal days
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Salary range: $48,960 (Min Base) to $69,400 (Max Base)
• Actual compensation within the range will depend on experience and skills

Location

No location details were provided.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The organization is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and considers qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law. The organization is an AA/Disabled/Veteran Protected Employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

The organization reserves the right to alter work hours and work location as necessary. Work hours may vary based on client requirements and may include travel to various locations in support of the account.