Senior Payroll Specialist

Celonis • Raleigh, NC

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Celonis is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Payroll Specialist (IC3) to take end-to-end ownership of our multi-state US and Canadian payroll operations. This role involves leading accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing for a growing workforce, with a focus on leveraging AI and automation tools. The position requires independent judgment in managing complex payroll operations, identifying risks, and recommending solutions for accuracy, compliance, and continuous improvement. As a senior individual contributor, you will serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for employee payroll inquiries, lead complex tax and regulatory compliance projects, and contribute to the development of AI-powered payroll systems.

Requirements

• 5+ years of hands-on experience independently running both US and Canadian payrolls in high-growth or mid-to-large multi-state/multi-province environments.
• Deep expertise in US payroll tax mechanics (multi-state withholding, FLSA rules, fringe benefits).
• Strong working knowledge of Canadian payroll mechanics, provincial employment standards, ROE processing).
• Proficiency with ADP Workforce Now, UKG Payroll, and Workday, with the ability to navigate employee lifecycle transactions and payroll processing across integrated payroll and HR systems.
• Intermediate to Advanced Microsoft Excel skills with experience analyzing, reconciling, auditing, and validating large payroll datasets.
• Strong "AI-first" mindset with experience leveraging generative AI and automation tools to optimize multi-country payroll workflows, draft employee communications, and accelerate complex tax/compliance research.
• Demonstrated ability to independently research payroll issues, evaluate options, exercise sound judgment, and recommend practical solutions while maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Exceptional accuracy, attention to detail, sound judgment, high integrity when handling confidential compensation data, strong organizational and time management skills, and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).
• Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP) via the National Payroll Institute (NPI).

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end processing of semi-monthly / bi-weekly payrolls for US and Canada employees (exempt, non-exempt, hourly, and salary).
• Process complex payments, including equity (NSO/ISO/RSU tax withholding), bonuses, commissions, retro pay, terminations, severance, and off-cycle runs.
• Partner with Service Delivery to process hires, transfers, compensation adjustments, leaves of absence (FMLA, STD, LTD, Canadian EI/MAT leaves), and terminations.
• Calculate and ensure accurate processing of statutory deductions, garnishments, court orders, 401(k)/RRSP contributions, and benefit withholdings.
• Ensure strict compliance with US federal, state, and local payroll tax laws, FLSA overtime regulations, and labor standards.
• Oversee Canadian payroll compliance across multiple provinces (Ontario & British Columbia), including Employment Insurance (EI), Canada Pension Plan (CPP/QPP), Employer Health Tax (EHT/CNESST), and Record of Employment (ROE) issuance.
• Partner with external payroll vendors and tax accountants to manage quarter-end and year-end processes, including US W-2/1095-C auditing and Canadian T4/T4A/RL-1 filings.
• Support internal and external payroll, benefit, and financial audits (e.g., 401(k) audits, workers' comp, tax authority notices).
• Identify opportunities to automate, streamline, and scale payroll processes between HRIS, time tracking, and accounting systems.
• Audit payroll inputs and outputs systematically to maintain a near-zero error rate.
• Reconcile payroll tax accounts and ledger entries in partnership with the Finance/Accounting team.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee inquiries regarding paychecks, withholdings, tax forms, and deductions, delivering high-touch, empathetic support.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation for payroll processes, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and compliance controls.

Benefits

• Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and merit-based refresh grants.
• 24 weeks of fully paid leave for primary carers and 12 weeks for supporting carers.
• Unlimited PTO (in applicable regions) and generous PTO globally.
• Flexible hybrid work model.
• 70-20-10 learning framework, mentorship programs, and access to a dedicated learning platform.
• Subsidized Wellhub memberships, mental health counseling, and dedicated "Wellness Weeks".
• Paid time off to volunteer for community and environmental causes.
• Inclusion Think Tank and annual Inclusion Days.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed