Payroll Associate

Sunrise Senior Living•Mclean, VA

About The Position

The Payroll Associate supports accurate and timely payroll processing for U.S. and Canadian team members across both weekly and bi-weekly cycles. As part of a collaborative payroll team, this role is also responsible for processing wage garnishments, managing workers’ compensation claims and resolving payroll-related inquiries with professionalism and efficiency. Additionally, this role works closely with internal departments to ensure team members are paid accurately and on time while upholding compliance with company policies and applicable wage and hour laws.

Requirements

Ability to review payroll data and system outputs with accuracy and thoroughness, ensuring precise calculations and compliance with payroll laws and company policies
Strong familiarity with wage and hour laws, garnishments, workers’ compensation and payroll tax regulations across multiple jurisdictions, including U.S. and Canada
Comfortable navigating payroll and HRIS systems, including processing off-cycle payments, posting journal entries and assisting with system testing and updates
Demonstrated ability to respond to team member inquiries with professionalism, patience and clear communication, especially when resolving complex or sensitive payroll issues
Proven ability to work effectively within a team environment, cross-train on processes and provide backup support as needed in a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting
High school diploma required; some college coursework or an associate degree in accounting, business or a related field preferred
Minimum of 2 years of experience in payroll processing, including garnishments, off-cycle payments and payroll funding; experience with large, multi-state U.S. payrolls and Canadian payroll and year-end processes (e.g., W-2s, T4s) strongly preferred
Solid understanding of U.S. federal and state wage and hour laws, tax withholding requirements and compliance regulations
Demonstrated experience working with third-party payroll providers; ADP, Kronos or Workday experience preferred
Working knowledge of workers’ compensation claims processing and payroll-related accounting or bookkeeping concepts
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel, combined with the ability to read and interpret payroll reports
Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to multitask, prioritize and pivot effectively in a deadline-driven environment
Strong customer service and communication skills, with the ability to respond to employee inquiries professionally and efficiently
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team committed to payroll accuracy, compliance and continuous learning

Nice To Haves

Payroll certification (e.g., FPC or CPP) a plus

Responsibilities

Process and review payroll outputs for U.S. and Canadian employees on a bi-weekly basis, ensuring accuracy in wages and deductions and upholding compliance with company policies and applicable wage and hour laws
Coordinate payroll funding activities, including net pay, taxes and garnishments for both U.S. and Canadian payrolls
Coordinate with third-party administrators to manage off-cycle payments, including timecard corrections and special one-time payments
Manage wage garnishments and support orders by inputting and monitoring them in payroll systems for both U.S. and Canadian employees, liaising with third-party administrators as necessary
Complete workers’ compensation claims as required by state laws, ensuring accurate and timely submissions
Process IRS lock-in letters and ensure appropriate adjustments are made to employee tax withholdings
Coordinate with the Treasury team to ensure timely processing of payment from external agencies
Handle post-payment administrative tasks, such as managing returned checks, direct deposits and unclaimed property reporting in accordance with state regulations
Respond to payroll-related inquiries from employees and third-party administrators, resolving questions regarding pay, taxes and other payroll matters
Prepare and process journal entries to accurately record payroll transactions in the general ledger on a monthly basis
Assist in payroll tax and compliance activities, including bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reporting requirements
Provide support during audits by supplying necessary payroll details to auditors or management to ensure compliance with company policies
Maintain payroll documentation, including updating forms and job aids to reflect current processes and procedures
Participate in system testing for payroll processing and time entry systems to validate functionality and accuracy
Cross-train and provide backup for other payroll team members, including time entry processing, to ensure continuity of operations
Maintain compliance in assigned required training and all training required by state/province or other regulating authorities as applicable to this role to ensure that Sunrise standards are always met
Perform other duties as assigned