Client Payroll Specialist

Prairie Fire Resources•Kansas City, MO

7d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly skilled, detail-oriented, and self-directed Payroll Specialist to independently manage all aspects of multi-state payroll administration for multiple clients with minimal oversight. This role serves as the organization's subject matter expert for payroll operations, tax compliance, wage and hour regulations, system administration, audits, reporting, and process improvement. The ideal candidate possesses extensive payroll expertise, exceptional analytical capabilities, and a proven track record of managing complex payroll functions accurately, confidentially, and in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. This position operates with a high degree of autonomy and is responsible for ensuring payroll accuracy, compliance, process efficiency, and employee satisfaction while serving as the primary payroll authority among multiple clients and within the organization.

Requirements

Minimum 5-10 years of progressive payroll experience.
Extensive experience processing multi-state payrolls.
Advanced knowledge of payroll laws, regulations, and tax requirements.
Demonstrated ability to manage payroll operations independently with little to no supervision.
Strong understanding of wage and hour laws and payroll compliance requirements.
Proficient in using Excel, including formulas, pivot tables, and data manipulation techniques.
Strong ability to break out and accurately read financial statements, identifying key commission-related deposits.
Capable of managing multiple tasks with efficiency and accuracy, ensuring all processes are handled in a timely manner.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills to respond promptly and effectively to client and internal inquiries.
Ability to interpret and analyze financial data to ensure proper recognition and classification of commissions.
Ability to track tasks in a timely manner utilizing internal software programs.
Evidence of the practice of a high level of confidentiality
Must be authorized to work in the United States
Fluency in the English language required

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, HR, or related field preferred.
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification
Experience with payroll systems such as ADP, Paycor, Gusto, QBO
Act in a pleasant, professional, courteous, and respectful manner to all internal and external customers always
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple interruptions

Responsibilities

Independently administer end to end payroll processing for hourly, salaried, commissioned, exempt, non-exempt, and executive employees.
Process weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payrolls while ensuring 100% compliance with established deadlines.
Review, validate, and reconcile payroll data including earnings, deductions, taxes, garnishments, bonus, commissions, and benefit contributions.
Analyze payroll variances and resolve discrepancies proactively before payroll finalization.
Maintain payroll records in accordance with federal, state, and company retention requirements.
Manage off cycle payrolls, retroactive adjustments, final pay calculations, and special compensation payments.
Ensure accurate accrual calculations for PTO, sick leave, and other employee leave programs.
Serve as the organization’s payroll compliance expert.
Maintain current knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws, tax regulations, wage and hour requirements, and labor compliance standards.
Ensure compliance with: Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), IRS regulations, Multi State payroll tax laws, Garnishment orders, Child support withholding requirements, Wage attachment regulations, Multi-state payroll requirements, Paid leave legislation.
Prepare and validate payroll tax filings and ensure timely remittance of payroll taxes.
Coordinate payroll related audits and respond to regulatory inquiries.
Perform Payroll account reconciliations including general ledger balancing and tax liability reviews.
Analyze quarterly and annual payroll tax filings.
Review and reconcile Forms W-2, 941, 940, state unemployment filings, and local tax reports.
Investigate tax notices and independently resolve discrepancies with federal, state, and local agencies.
Ensure accurate year-end payroll processing and reporting.
Act as the payroll system administrator and primary point of contact for payroll technology for each assigned client.
Maintain payroll system configuration, earnings codes, deduction tables, tax settings, and workflows for each assigned client.
Generate complex payroll reports for clients and external auditors.
Lead payroll system testing, upgrades, implementations, and process enhancements.
Serve as the highest-level payroll resource for employee inquiries.
Research and resolve complex payroll issues requiring advanced technical knowledge.
Provide guidance to management and Human Resources regarding payroll regulations and compensation-related matters.
Communicate payroll information professionally and confidentially.
Continuously evaluate payroll processes to improve efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
Develop and implement payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Identify risks and recommend corrective actions.
Create and maintain payroll documentation, standard operating procedures, and training materials.
Participate in cross-functional projects involving payroll, benefits, accounting, and HR systems.