Payroll Specialist

SM-Energy Company•Denver, CO

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely processing of the company’s bi-weekly, multi-state payroll. This role oversees payroll compliance, vendor coordination, and internal control processes related to taxes, garnishments, cash management, and reporting. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and expertise in federal, state, and local payroll regulations. They will also have strong customer service abilities and a desire to consistently assess and improve processes, technical solutions and outreach related to payroll.

Requirements

Deep understanding of federal, state, and local payroll laws and reporting requirements.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and complex formulas).
Ability to navigate payroll software (ADP, Payfactors, etc.)
Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with a high degree of attention to detail and numerical accuracy.
Strong understanding of payroll law and tax regulations; exposure to multiple states preferred.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated initiative, ownership, and process-driven approach to continuous improvement.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
Familiarity with HR practices, payroll audits, and SOX compliance requirements.
High School diploma required; associate or bachelor’s degree in related field preferred
3+ years of experience with payroll processing

Nice To Haves

CPP (or willingness to obtain this designation) preferred
Experience with ADP and its full suite of payroll and HR functionality preferred

Responsibilities

Administer and process bi-weekly and ad-hoc, multi-state payroll, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Review and verify timecards, attendance records and approve overtime.
Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll-related inquiries and issue resolution.
Coordinate closely with HR on all payroll changes, including new hires, terminations, salary adjustments, bonuses, and other earnings.
Reconcile payroll transactions prior to disbursement, ensuring completeness and compliance with company policies and SOX requirements.
Complete payroll tax filings and ensure all payments and reports are finalized accurately and on schedule; inclusive of year-end tasks such as W-2 and 1099 processing.
Process and review 401(k) payroll deductions and other benefit-related withholdings.
Partner with Accounting and Finance teams to reconcile payroll entries and support month-end and year-end close processes.
In conjunction with TR Manager, support internal and external audit requests related to payroll, stock compensation, and retirement plans.
Evaluate payroll and tax processes to identify efficiencies and implement best-practice solutions.
Collaborate with HR, Accounting, Audit, and Legal to maintain compliance, improve workflows, and strengthen internal controls.
Participate in HR and Finance special projects as assigned.
Conduct business safely and with the highest ethical standards