Payroll Specialist

Summary

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for managing accurate and compliant payroll operations across multiple states and locations. This role supports the Payroll team in processing, auditing, and reconciling payroll, while serving as a key point of contact for complex payroll issues. The position partners with HR, Finance, and Benefits to ensure payroll accuracy and system integrity, while driving process improvements and supporting overall payroll compliance.

Responsibilities

• Payroll Processing – Manage the end-to-end processing of multi-state payrolls, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with all regulations.
  
  
• Compliance & Governance – Apply expertise in payroll policies, tax regulations, and wage/hour laws to maintain full compliance.
  
  
• Issue Resolution – Act as an escalation point for payroll-related inquiries, resolving discrepancies and partnering with internal stakeholders to address issues.
  
  
• Reporting & Analysis – Prepare, validate, and analyze payroll reports; ensure accuracy of data used for financial and operational decision-making.
  
  
• System & Process Optimization – Support payroll system upgrades, implementations, and enhancements; identify and implement process improvements.
  
  
• Vendor & Audit Management – Partner with payroll providers, auditors, and tax authorities to maintain compliance and service quality.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
  
  
• 3+ years of payroll experience in US and Canada.
  
  
• Proficiency in Workday; system implementation or configuration experience is a plus.
  
  
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws and regulations (FLSA, IRS guidelines, state/local wage laws).
  
  
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience with payroll reporting/analysis.
  
  
• High attention to detail, organizational skills, and problem-solving capability.
  
  
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or FPC certification preferred.