Part-Time Payroll Tax Specialist
About The Position
RCR Consulting is a growing HR consulting firm seeking a part-time Payroll Tax Specialist. This role requires expertise in multi-state payroll tax compliance, including registrations, agency notices, filing deadlines, and regulatory changes. The specialist will serve as the primary payroll tax expert for clients, combining technical knowledge with strong client communication skills. The ideal candidate is a problem-solver comfortable managing complex, multi-jurisdiction tax issues from beginning to end. This is a permanent part-time position (15-20 hours per week) with the flexibility to take on additional hours as business needs evolve. A Monday-Friday schedule is mandatory to ensure client availability. This role is not suitable for individuals balancing another job.
Requirements
- 5+ years of hands-on experience in payroll tax compliance, ideally supporting multiple clients or entities across many states
- Demonstrated experience registering companies for new-state SUI/SIT and local tax accounts
- Strong working knowledge of federal and state payroll tax regulations (FICA, FUTA, SUTA, state income tax withholding, local taxes)
- Experience researching and resolving payroll tax notices directly with the IRS and state agencies
- Experience with ADP Workforce Now required
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy; comfortable owning compliance deadlines independently
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain tax concepts clearly to non-technical clients
- Ability to work Monday–Friday and flexibility to take on additional hours as client needs arise
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with Paylocity, Gusto, or other payroll/HRIS platforms is a strong plus
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) preferred
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration preferred
Responsibilities
- Register companies for new state and local tax accounts, including SUI, SIT, and applicable local withholding or occupational taxes, as clients expand into new jurisdictions
- Complete manual payroll tax filings and remittances (federal, state, and local) when automated filing isn't available or an issue requires hands-on correction
- Prepare and file payroll tax returns (Forms 941, 940, and state quarterly/annual returns) and year-end forms (W-2, W-2c) accurately and on time
- Research and resolve complex payroll tax issues — discrepancies, agency notices, penalty assessments, and filing errors — working directly with the IRS and state/local agencies
- Help clients regain access to locked, suspended, or otherwise inaccessible state and local tax accounts, including navigating agency identity verification and account recovery processes
- Monitor unemployment tax rates and manage SUTA rate changes, voluntary contributions, and rate protests where advantageous to clients
- Serve as the client-facing subject matter expert on payroll tax matters — advising on withholding elections, multi-state and reciprocity agreements, remote-employee taxation, and reporting requirements
- Reconcile payroll tax liabilities and identify and correct discrepancies before they become filing issues
- Track federal, state, and local legislative and regulatory changes affecting payroll tax, and proactively update clients and internal processes
- Build and maintain strong client relationships, providing responsive, high-quality service on all tax-related questions and issues
Benefits
- Equal opportunity employer
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Mid Level
