Payroll Tax Specialist

Cast & Crew•Burbank, CA

About The Position

The Payroll Tax Specialist prepares and audits payroll tax returns, reconciles tax filings with agency records and general ledger accounts, and completes special projects as assigned. The role handles quarterly and annual tax returns for multiple companies, tax payments, agency inquiries and notices, tax-account updates, reconciliations, and related documentation. It also helps ensure payroll tax data and filings are accurate, complete, and submitted on time.

Requirements

At least 3 years of payroll tax filing experience working with multiple entities.
Strong knowledge of federal and multistate payroll tax reporting.
Thorough understanding of tax and withholding deposit requirements.
Ability to efficiently and effectively train other team members.
Ability to work overtime as needed.
Ability to use software programs necessary to perform the job.
Strong computer and software application skills.
Hands-on experience using AI tools within the discipline, including ability to discuss specific tools, workflow integration, and measurable business impact, and willingness to experiment with emerging AI capabilities.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is preferred.

Responsibilities

Reconcile and file quarterly and annual tax returns with various tax agencies, averaging approximately 130 returns per quarter.
Audit and reconcile general ledger accounts and prepare journal entries as needed.
Prepare check requests and electronic fund transfer requests for tax payments.
Prepare annual reconciliations to confirm W-2 totals match quarterly filings.
Verify totals on prepared tax forms to detect programming errors.
Track completed returns to ensure all required payroll tax returns are filed.
Sort and attach checks to paper tax returns and vouchers for e-filed and e-paid returns, and organize them for timely mailing.
File quarterly and annual tax returns and related documents in the appropriate tax binders.
Respond promptly to tax notices and agency inquiries; research discrepancies and submit payment requests for approval when necessary.
Negotiate with agencies to seek abatement of possible penalties and prepare supporting documentation.
Consult payroll tax law references to resolve payroll tax issues.
Update tax receivable accounts monthly for more than 10 companies.
Prepare amended tax filings, returns, and reports as needed in May.
Prepare agency documentation to register new state withholding and unemployment insurance tax accounts.
Maintain accurate and current tax rates, wage base limits, and account IDs in Master Tax and Media Pay.
Log in to California and New York websites weekly to verify accounts are in good standing.
Keep tax files and the department organized and clean.
Ensure daily and monthly withholding payments are made promptly, averaging approximately 30 daily payments and 210 monthly payments.
Route the tax department’s quarterly work.
Make wage corrections on quarterly returns through the Master Tax system.
Respond to recalculation and payroll extension requests.
File and organize payment records, including EFT and check requests, and follow up on notices until resolved.
Train other team members as needed.