Senior Payroll Administrator

The Lightstone Group, LLC•Lakewood, NJ

8d•$75 - $85•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Payroll Administrator is responsible for the timely and accurate processing of weekly and bi-weekly payroll for all Lightstone employees and its affiliates. This includes payroll processing, tax filing, garnishment management, union compliance, employment verifications, reporting, and unemployment claims. The role ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local tax and labor laws, and provides expert guidance on payroll-related matters across the organization. The Payroll Administrator works closely with the Sr. Director of Benefits and Compensation, particularly on deductions, disability payments, and benefit compliance. Experience managing union payrolls (particularly under Local 32BJ agreements) is preferred. This position requires strong analytical skills, deep knowledge of payroll systems and legislation, and the ability to manage sensitive employee information with integrity and discretion.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum 5 years of experience in payroll administration, preferably in a multi-entity, multi-state organization.
Experience with ADP Workforce Now required.
In-depth knowledge of federal and multi-state payroll and tax regulations.
Experience working with union payrolls; familiarity with Local 32BJ preferred.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., pivot tables, v-lookups) and Microsoft Office Suite.
Demonstrates reliability by consistently meeting deadlines, maintaining confidentiality, and ensuring the accuracy of payroll processing without the need for close supervision.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment with accuracy and attention to detail.
High level of integrity and confidentiality in handling sensitive employee data.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to communicate technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.
Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot issues independently.
Strong customer service orientation and ability to build trust with employees and managers.
Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply labor laws, wage & hour regulations, and union agreements.
Comfortable working independently but also thrives in a collaborative team environment.
Process improvement mindset with the ability to identify and recommend more efficient workflows.

Nice To Haves

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) strongly preferred.
Experience handling payroll in a hospitality, real estate, or property management environment a plus.

Responsibilities

Ensure the accurate and timely processing of weekly, bi-weekly, and supplemental payrolls, including special funding requests, tax submissions, bonuses, commissions, off-cycle payments, auditing timesheet data, and retroactive pay calculations.
Enter and maintain all payroll system changes, including terminations, deduction and withholding changes, garnishments, and tax levies.
Manage union payroll requirements, including accurate processing of status changes, health and welfare, pension, 401(k), fees, and payments via 32BJ’s ESS system.
Ensure adherence to union agreements, including pay scales, shift differentials, and overtime rules.
Conduct routine payroll reconciliations and partner with internal teams and ADP support to resolve system issues.
Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll inquiries from employees, managers, and external auditors.
Partner with the Sr. Director of Benefits and Compensation to manage and track disability payments and ensure appropriate payroll treatment.
Receive, review, and respond to payroll-related correspondence, including notices from taxing authorities.
Manage all payroll-related reporting (monthly, quarterly, annual, and ad-hoc), including internal requests, audits, and compliance filings.
Handle employment verifications and unemployment claim responses.
Review and ensure the accuracy of quarterly and year-end tax filings, including W-2s and 941s submitted by ADP.
Stay abreast of all relevant employment and payroll legislation and recommend process improvements to maintain compliance.
Support audits (internal, external, union, or government) with timely and accurate data submission.
Maintain accurate, confidential electronic and physical payroll files in compliance with document retention laws.

Benefits

Paid time off for vacation and sick leave
Health, dental, and vision insurance, and wellness programs
401(k) and Roth retirement plans
Flexible spending accounts (medical & dependent care)
Life and AD&D insurance with options for supplemental employee, spouse, and child
Long-term and short-term disability insurance
Commuter spending accounts (transit and parking)
Tuition assistance and employee assistance program
Corporate discount programs
On-site mother’s room
Office perks such as lunch, fruit, drinks, and snacks