Senior Payroll Specialist

FIRSTLIGHT•Victor, NY

3d•$75,000 - $90,000

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Payroll Specialist to lead and oversee all aspects of payroll administration for a multi-state workforce. This invididual contributor role is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, payroll accounting and reconciliation activities, and oversight of payroll tax compliance. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, deep payroll expertise, and a commitment to maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

Requirements

5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including payroll management responsibilities.
Strong knowledge of multi-state payroll processing, payroll tax compliance, and wage and hour regulations.
Experience performing payroll reconciliations and supporting general ledger accounting processes.
Experience with other HRIS, timekeeping, and payroll systems required.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and strong analytical abilities.
Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
Experience working with ADP Workforce Now strongly preferred.
CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) designation preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage end-to-end payroll processing for all employees, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with company policies and applicable laws.
Review and validate payroll data, including earnings, deductions, commissions, bonuses, garnishments, and benefit withholdings.
Serve as the primary payroll subject matter expert and escalation point for payroll-related inquiries.
Maintain payroll records and ensure employee data is accurate and up to date within payroll and HRIS systems.
Perform payroll reconciliations to ensure payroll records, payroll reports, and financial statements are accurate and aligned.
Reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts, including wages, taxes, benefits, and payroll liabilities.
Review payroll audit reports and support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities.
Investigate and resolve payroll variances, discrepancies, and balancing issues in a timely manner.
Partner with Finance and Accounting teams to ensure payroll expenses and liabilities are accurately reflected in the general ledger.
Oversee payroll tax compliance and reporting requirements across all applicable jurisdictions.
Collaborate with ADP to ensure the timely and accurate filing of federal, state, and local payroll tax returns, including quarterly and annual filings such as Forms 941 and W-2 reporting.
Review payroll tax filings for accuracy and address tax notices, discrepancies, and agency inquiries.
Partner with ADP and internal stakeholders to resolve payroll tax issues and maintain compliance with changing regulations.
Maintain payroll controls, procedures, and documentation to ensure data integrity and compliance.
Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, reporting capabilities, and operational efficiencies.
Partner with Human Resources, Finance, and Accounting to ensure accurate employee and organizational data management.
Support internal and external audit requests related to payroll records and controls.