Senior Payroll Specialist

Senior Payroll SpecialistPosition Overview The Senior Payroll Specialist is responsible for accurately processing and administering payroll for employees across multiple pay groups, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This role leads payroll operations, resolves complex payroll issues, supports audits and reporting, and contributes to process improvements. The Senior Payroll Specialist will use payroll systems such as Vista and Viewpoint to manage wages, salaries, overtime calculations, tax withholdings, benefits deductions, and I-9 compliance while partnering with HR and finance teams.

Key ResponsibilitiesProcess timely and accurate payroll for multiple pay cycles and employee groups using payroll platforms (including Vista and Viewpoint).Calculate wages, salaries, overtime, shift differentials, bonuses, and retroactive payments; verify timekeeping data and approvals prior to processing.

Prepare and review payroll reconciliations, journals, and general ledger entries; partner with accounting on month-end and year-end close activities.

Maintain and audit payroll records to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and company policies.

Support internal and external payroll audits by preparing documentation, responding to inquiries, and implementing corrective actions.

Administer new hire onboarding and separation payroll tasks, including verification and maintenance of I-9 documentation and termination pay calculations.

Manage payroll tax filings, wage garnishments, deductions, and remittance processes; liaise with tax agencies and benefit providers as needed.

Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies, employee inquiries, and escalations in a timely, customer-focused manner.

Develop and document payroll policies, standard operating procedures, and control processes to strengthen audit readiness and data integrity.

Collaborate with HR, Finance, and IT teams on system upgrades, process improvements, and payroll-related projects; provide training and guidance to junior payroll staff.

QualificationsBachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field, or equivalent experience; advanced payroll certifications (e.g., CPP) a plus.

Minimum 5 years of progressive payroll experience; prior experience as a payroll lead or senior specialist preferred.

Hands-on experience with payroll systems, specifically Vista and Viewpoint, and strong aptitude for learning new payroll/HRIS software.

Thorough knowledge of payroll processing, wage and hour regulations, payroll tax compliance, and garnishment procedures.

Experience supporting payroll audits and preparing reconciliation and documentation for internal and external reviewers.

Familiarity with I-9 verification requirements, onboarding processes, and employment eligibility documentation maintenance.

Strong Excel skills (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, formulas) and experience generating payroll reports and extracting data for analysis.

Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills with experience collaborating across HR, Finance, and operations.

High level of integrity and confidentiality when handling sensitive payroll and employee information.

BenefitsVacation/PTOMedicalDentalVision401kBonus