Senior Payroll Specialist

Cedarhurst Senior Living•Clayton, MO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sr. Payroll Specialist, reporting directly to the Payroll Manager, is responsible for the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of payroll for The Dover Companies employees across multiple entities, locations, and states. This role serves as the primary backup to the Payroll Manager and is prepared to assume full payroll operations in the event of an absence or vacancy. The Sr. Payroll Specialist handles highly sensitive and confidential compensation data, leads payroll projects and initiatives, and partners with HR, Finance, and external vendors to strengthen payroll processes, controls, and compliance.

Requirements

Associate’s degree required
Five (5)+ years of progressive payroll experience, including multi-state payroll in a high-volume, multi-entity organization, required
Demonstrated experience leading payroll projects or initiatives (e.g., system implementations, process improvements, audits) required
In-depth knowledge of payroll practices, employment tax laws, and wage and hour requirements
Knowledge of multi-state payroll, Missouri required; Illinois preferred
Experience with Paylocity or a comparable payroll/HCM system required
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency in Microsoft Suite required
Proven ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information with discretion and integrity
Strong organization and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field preferred
Experience with Paylocity is preferred
Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) preferred
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) strongly preferred
Experience in senior living, construction, home health, hospice, and/or pharmacy is a plus

Responsibilities

Process end-to-end bi-weekly payroll for exempt and non-exempt employees of The Dover Companies across multiple entities, locations, and states
Serve as the primary backup to the Payroll Manager, with the knowledge and system access to assume full payroll operations, approvals, and transmission in the event of an absence or vacancy
Audit and reconcile payroll prior to transmission, including verification of timesheets, worked hours, PTO, overtime, and adjustments
Lead payroll projects and initiatives such as system enhancements, process improvements, new entity or location set-ups, policy changes, and year-end activities from planning through implementation
Handle highly sensitive and confidential information, including compensation, executive pay, tax, banking, and personal employee data, with the utmost discretion and integrity
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage and hour, and tax laws, including multi-state requirements
Support payroll tax reporting, filings, and year-end processes, and respond to tax agency notices and requests in partnership with the Payroll Manager and Payroll & Tax Specialist
Process wage attachments (child support, garnishments, levies, etc.) and maintain accurate deduction records
Conduct regular audits of employee set-ups, deductions, and G/L mapping to ensure payroll data integrity
Prepare and reconcile payroll-related general ledger entries and payables in partnership with Finance
Analyze timeliness and accuracy of timesheet and PTO submissions by business unit and recommend corrective actions
Resolve complex payroll discrepancies and escalated employee inquiries regarding pay, deductions, and other payroll matters
Coordinate with external vendors, including the payroll software provider, auditors, and tax agencies, and review payroll software invoices for accuracy in billing
Support 401(k) integration, funding, and the investigation and resolution of contribution errors, partnering with the plan administrator and Accounting to ensure timely, accurate remittance
Train, mentor, and provide guidance to Payroll Specialists, and serve as a subject matter expert on payroll processes and systems
Develop and maintain written payroll procedures, desk manuals, and internal controls to support business continuity
Prepare payroll reports and analysis for HR, Finance, and leadership as requested
Other duties as assigned