Sr. Payroll Administrator

Penguin Solutions•Durham, NC

1d•$78,000 - $98,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Penguin Solutions is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented, hands-on Sr. Payroll Administrator to join its Global Payroll team. The role supports payroll processing, validations, reconciliations, employee inquiries, audit support, vendor coordination, and other payroll activities as needed. The primary focus is U.S. payroll operations, with potential support for global payroll. The position is hybrid in Durham, North Carolina, with no travel.

Requirements

Typically five or more years of progressive, hands-on payroll experience supporting U.S. payroll, global payroll, or both.
Strong understanding of payroll processing practices, payroll-cycle controls, reconciliations, variance reviews, issue resolution, and audit-ready documentation.
Experience working in ADP, including payroll processing, reporting, troubleshooting, and vendor coordination.
Working knowledge of U.S. payroll requirements, including federal, state, and local payroll taxes, wage-and-hour rules, deductions, benefits, garnishments, final pay, and year-end reporting.
Ability to learn established payroll processes quickly, follow controls, and provide reliable support in an evolving, deadline-driven environment.
Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and ability to identify discrepancies, risks, or process gaps.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict payroll deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills for working with employees, vendors, and cross-functional partners.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive payroll and employee data with discretion.
Strong Microsoft Excel skills and comfort working with payroll reports, reconciliations, data validations, and large data sets.

Nice To Haves

Experience with global or multi-country payroll processing, payroll vendor models, statutory requirements, data validation, and cross-border payroll coordination.
Experience with ADP Celergo or other global payroll platforms.
Experience supporting 401(k), equity-related payroll income, quarterly payroll activities, and year-end payroll processes.
Payroll certification such as CPP or FPC; preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Support ongoing U.S. and global payroll processing activities.
Assist with payroll-cycle tasks, including input collection, data validation, payroll calculations, review, approvals, funding support, settlement, and post-payroll reconciliation.
Review and validate payroll data such as employee changes, earnings, deductions, taxes, benefits, equity-related income, terminations, and final pay, as applicable.
Perform pre-payroll and post-payroll audits, variance reviews, exception checks, and reconciliations to help ensure accurate, complete, and timely payroll results.
Partner with internal teams and external payroll vendors on processing, issue resolution, reporting, compliance, and timely payroll delivery.
Research and resolve payroll questions, employee inquiries, payroll discrepancies, tax notices, and vendor follow-up items professionally, promptly, and confidentially.
Support quarterly, year-end, and audit-related payroll activities, including reconciliations, reporting, documentation, and partner coordination.
Provide flexible support across U.S. and global payroll, reporting, reconciliations, vendor coordination, and other payroll team priorities.
Maintain payroll records, process documentation, payroll calendars, control evidence, and audit-ready support materials.
Identify recurring issues, process gaps, and control concerns; escalate appropriately and recommend practical improvements where possible.
Protect confidential payroll and employee information and follow company data privacy, security, and access-control requirements.
Support the Global Payroll Manager and broader Payroll team with additional payroll-related projects and operational needs as assigned.