Payroll Specialist

Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc.•Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for providing support for the activities relating to the company’s global payroll and year-end processes in compliance with our internal control processes and procedures. Reporting to the Associate Director, Payroll, this role will coordinate and provide support for all activities necessary to process the organization’s bi-weekly payroll in a timely and accurate manner for the U.S. and monthly outside of the U.S.

Requirements

BA/BS in Accounting or Finance
A minimum of 2-3 years of experience processing payroll.
Must have strong knowledge of a variety of computer software applications including payroll (preferably ADP Workforce Now) and time & attendance (preferably eTime).
Proficiency in Microsoft Office skills including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
Maintain working knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations and support compliance activities under guidance from Payroll leadership.
Analytical skills.
High level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations.
Strong understanding of Payroll processes, procedures, and terminology.
Possess strong written and verbal communications skills.
Possess strong organization skills and ability to complete multiple tasks and high volume of work on deadline.
Strong attention to detail.
Possess a creative outlook with a problem-solving attitude.
Excellent time management and follow-through skills.
Ability to respond quickly, accurately to requests for data and ability to provide excellent customer service.

Responsibilities

End to End bi-weekly U.S. payroll processing for 800+ hourly and salaried employees and monthly schedule for our outside of U.S population; including reviewing and importing hours from eTime attendance system, reviewing state tax information changes, pro-rate payments for New Hires, Leave of Absences, Terminations and International Assignments.
Assist with Year-End Processes (W2 review, Year-End Gross-up Tax reporting, Off-Cycle Equity reporting etc.).
Research, analyze, and resolve payroll discrepancies, exceptions, and data issues prior to payroll submission.
Escalate and partner with appropriate stakeholders on complex or time‑sensitive payroll issues.
Calculate wages and applicable deductions based on employee attendance and timesheet records.
Enter payroll information into Workforce Now for processing changes outside of automatic pay.
Handle employee inquiries related to payroll, tax, deductions, etc.
Review and process mail and digital notices related to garnishments, tax levies, and support orders and any other mandated adjustments to pay as necessary.
Respond to all state unemployment and STD claims in a timely manner.
Support state and local tax compliance
Respond to and upload State Tax notices into ADP Workforce Now.
Produce scheduled and ad-hoc reports pertaining to payroll and Finance requirements as needed.
Develop a strong partnership with Finance to align objectives and timelines.
Maintain payroll audit documentation with all activity to ensure accuracy and audit readiness.
Create and maintain payroll records Electronically file all back-up related to bi-weekly payroll process.
Support ad hoc reporting, projects, and system upgrades assigned by the Associate Director, Payroll and HR Leadership Team.
Partner with Payroll leadership to identify opportunities to simplify, streamline, and standardize payroll processes.
Leverage available system tools, reporting, and emerging AI capabilities to reduce manual work, improve accuracy, and strengthen controls.
Participate in testing, adoption, and continuous improvement of payroll system enhancements and technology upgrades, including AI‑enabled functionality as it becomes available.