Payroll Tax Specialist

Rockforce • , CA

158d • Remote

About The Position

RockForce is seeking an experienced Payroll Tax Specialist to serve as the in-house subject matter expert and primary owner of payroll tax compliance in our Employer of Record (EOR) division Collective Payroll. This is an experienced individual contributor role requiring hands-on experience preparing and submitting payroll tax filings directly to state and local agencies, resolving agency notices and audit inquiries, and managing the full lifecycle of multi-state payroll tax compliance.
The ideal candidate brings 5–10 years of direct tax compliance experience, operates independently with a strong sense of ownership, and thrives in a fast-moving, multi-state environment.
Role Level & Growth
This is an experienced individual contributor role, not a management position that carries meaningful ownership and accountability for RockForce's most complex tax compliance obligations. As RockForce continues to scale its EOR and live event payroll services, this specialist will have increasing exposure to new state markets, complex employment tax structures, and strategic compliance initiatives.

Requirements

• 5–10 years of hands-on tax compliance experience with a primary emphasis on payroll tax
• Demonstrated experience preparing and submitting payroll tax filings directly to state and local agencies, not solely through a third-party payroll provider
• Proven track record resolving payroll tax agency notices, audits, and account discrepancies
• Deep working knowledge of federal payroll tax (FICA, FUTA, Forms 941/940) and multi-state withholding and unemployment obligations
• Experience managing state tax registrations, amendments, and closures across multiple jurisdictions
• Solid experience with multi-state sales and use tax compliance
• Proficiency with payroll and accounting systems (e.g., ADP, Paylocity, Ceridian, Paychex, Sage Intacct, NetSuite, or similar) and advanced Excel skills
• Ability to work independently, manage competing deadlines, and own compliance processes end-to-end
• Deep technical ownership, comfortable being the in-house expert on payroll tax and standing behind compliance decisions
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and a track record of accurate, on-time filings
• Clear communicator with taxing agency representatives and internal stakeholders alike
• Proactive and self-directed, with the instinct to identify problems before they become penalties
• Adaptable and composed under pressure in a fast-growing, multi-state environment
• Collaborative partner to payroll operations, HR, and finance teams

Nice To Haves

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation issued by the American Payroll Association (APA), or active pursuit; Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) considered for candidates with strong experience
• Experience in an EOR, PEO, staffing, or professional employer services environment
• Familiarity with payroll tax compliance in the live events, entertainment, touring, or production industry
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• Exposure to gross receipts taxes and other non-income transaction-based taxes

Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, and submit multi-state payroll tax returns, reports, and deposits at the federal, state, and local levels directly interfacing with agency portals and taxing authorities
• Serve as the primary point of contact for state and local agency inquiries, notices, and correspondence, research issues and drive responses through to resolution
• Manage new state tax registrations (withholding, unemployment, local), and handle account maintenance, closures, and amendments
• Own payroll tax reconciliations, tying payroll registers to tax liabilities, payments, and general ledger accounts on a periodic and annual basis
• Lead year-end payroll tax processes, including W-2/W-3 preparation, review, and filing; manage corrections and amended filings (W-2c) as needed
• Identify and resolve discrepancies between payroll system outputs and agency records; proactively correct under/over-payments and missed filings before they become penalties
• Manage payroll tax penalty and interest assessments; document outcomes and implement controls to prevent recurrence
• Ensure compliance with SUI rates, taxable wage bases, and experience rating updates across all active states; manage new hire reporting obligations
• Maintain strict filing calendars for EOR multi-state, multi-client payroll tax obligations
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes affecting payroll taxes (FUTA, SUTA, local income taxes, reciprocity agreements) and communicate impacts to leadership
• Maintain reconciliations for payroll tax liability, accrual, and clearing accounts; support monthly close activities
• Assist with documentation, schedules, and internal controls related to tax compliance
• Support external audits, due diligence requests, and tax-related projects as needed

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level