Sr. Payroll Specialist

SUMMARY:  Responsible for overseeing and managing the payroll function within the organization, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This role involves designing and executing payroll processes, implementing system enhancements, advising management on payroll policies, and ensuring payroll strategies align with organizational objectives. The Sr Payroll Specialist will exercise discretion and independent judgment in resolving payroll-related issues, interpreting policies, and ensuring best practices in payroll administration.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Develop, implement, and oversee payroll policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable labor laws and tax regulations.
• Process payroll, ensuring accuracy in wage calculations, tax withholdings, and compliance with company policies.
• Analyze payroll trends, identify inefficiencies, and recommend process improvements to leadership.
• Oversee payroll audits, including Gross-to-Net, Taxable Wages, and FLSA Overtime calculations, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
• Ensure proper payroll system configuration, including tax jurisdictions, garnishments, benefits deductions, and accruals.
• Develop payroll reporting tools and provide financial analysis related to labor costs, overtime trends, and budget forecasts.
• Serve as the primary liaison with HR peers, Finance, and IT to align payroll operations with broader organizational goals.
• Manage relationships with third-party payroll vendors and service providers, ensuring seamless integration with company systems.
• Interpret and apply federal and state wage laws to ensure compliance with evolving regulations.
• Lead year-end payroll processing, including W-2 and W-2C reporting, and coordinate responses to audits.
• Provide strategic payroll guidance to senior management, including recommendations for policy updates and risk mitigation.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, human resources, business administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive payroll experience, including managing payroll processes and systems at a strategic level.
• Experience leading or significantly contributing to payroll compliance, process improvements, and payroll system administration.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply wage and hour laws, including FLSA regulations.
• Ability to work independently, exercise discretion, and make decisions on payroll policies and compliance.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or similar designation from APA (American Payroll Association).
• Advanced proficiency in payroll and timekeeping software, such as Dayforce Ceridian, ADP, or similar systems.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in payroll cost analysis, reconciliation, and reporting.

OTHER:

• The selected applicant will be subject to a background check and drug testing.