Senior Payroll Specialist

Success Academy Charter Schools•New York, NY

5d•$100,000 - $125,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Payroll Analyst leads execution, auditing, and continuous improvement of multi-state payroll operations for a complex, diverse workforce. This technical lead works alongside payroll associates and reports into HR and Finance leadership, serving as the primary subject matter expert for ADP Workforce Now and Workday Payroll. The role supports organizational compliance and financial integrity through multi-state tax compliance, system optimization, and complex cross-functional initiatives. This is a hybrid position based in Success Academy’s New York City Financial District office. On-site work is required Tuesday through Thursday, with remote work on Monday and Friday. Compensation is $100,000–$125,000 USD; exact compensation may vary based on skills and experience. The position is not bonus eligible.

Requirements

7 to 10+ years of progressive multi-state payroll processing and administration experience in complex organizations.
Advanced hands-on proficiency and administrative experience with ADP Workforce Now.
Deep functional and technical expertise in Workday Payroll, including system configuration, custom reporting, and integration management.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The posting also states that a bachelor’s degree in these fields or a related field is required.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local labor laws and tax regulations.

Nice To Haves

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee end-to-end processing, validation, and execution of complex bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payrolls across employment types using ADP Workforce Now and Workday Payroll.
Direct pre- and post-payroll audits, monthly general ledger account reconciliations, and journal entry preparation to ensure data accuracy and compliance with internal controls.
Lead ADP and Workday Payroll platform setup, workflow automation, third-party integrations, and system updates to improve operational efficiency.
Direct multi-state tax compliance and manage quarterly and year-end government filings, including 941s and W-2s.
Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external payroll audits.
Collaborate with HR, Finance, IT, and external vendors on escalations and initiatives, including M&A integrations and policy rollouts.
Develop standard operating procedures and functional documentation, and provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior payroll team members.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting the first day; Success Academy covers 82% of its core medical plan.
Free One Medical membership and confidential mental health support via EAP/Talkspace.
403(b) retirement plan with a 3% employer match.
Up to $2,400 per year in employer HSA contributions.
Employer-paid life and disability insurance.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility.
Generous paid time off and paid holidays.
Paid parental leave.
$50 per month cellphone stipend.
Pre-tax commuter benefits.
Backup family care.
Performance-based earning incentives.