Senior Payroll Specialist

Senior Payroll SpecialistThe Davis H. Elliot Company, Inc. is seeking a Senior Payroll Specialist to support accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations across a multi-state workforce. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented payroll professional who thrives in a highly manual payroll environment and enjoys working with complex payroll data, reconciliations, audits, and compliance requirements. The Senior Payroll Specialist serves as a key resource for payroll processing, reporting, problem resolution, and continuous process improvement while partnering closely with Human Resources, Finance, Operations, and external vendors.The Senior Payroll Specialist is responsible for processing and auditing payroll with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail. This position performs extensive manual payroll calculations, reconciliations, payroll tax administration, compliance reporting, and payroll issue resolution. The role requires strong analytical skills, exceptional accuracy, and the ability to manage large volumes of payroll data while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The Senior Payroll Specialist also serves as a payroll subject matter expert and helps identify opportunities to enhance payroll processes, controls, and operational efficiency.A Day in the Life:Process biweekly, weekly, semi-monthly, and off-cycle payrolls accurately and on schedulePerform extensive manual payroll processing, calculations, audits, reconciliations, and payroll data validationReview earnings, deductions, garnishments, taxes, benefit deductions, and other payroll transactions for accuracyValidate employee hours, compensation data, shift differentials, payroll adjustments, and special pay itemsProcess payroll corrections, retroactive pay adjustments, supplemental payrolls, and manual checks as neededConduct detailed payroll audits and reconciliations to identify and resolve discrepanciesEnsure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations and wage and hour requirementsMaintain payroll records, documentation, and audit trails in accordance with company policies and legal requirementsCoordinate payroll activities with Human Resources, Finance, Operations, and third-party payroll vendorsReview payroll tax notices and assist with payroll tax compliance activities and reporting requirementsSupport quarterly and annual payroll reporting, including W-2 processing and payroll reconciliationsResearch and resolve employee payroll questions, discrepancies, and complex payroll issuesAssist with payroll system testing, upgrades, implementations, and process improvementsGenerate payroll reports, metrics, and analyses for business leaders and stakeholdersTrain and support employees, managers, and business partners regarding payroll processes and policiesSupport payroll audits and provide documentation to auditors, vendors, and regulatory agenciesIdentify opportunities to improve payroll accuracy, efficiency, controls, and employee experiencePerform other payroll, accounting, and administrative duties as assignedQualifications & Skills:Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent experience5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including multi-state payroll processingStrong knowledge of payroll regulations, payroll taxes, wage and hour laws, and payroll compliance requirementsExperience working in a high-volume payroll environment requiring substantial manual review, reconciliation, and data entryStrong payroll auditing, reconciliation, and discrepancy resolution experienceAdvanced Microsoft Excel skills, including reporting, data validation, reconciliations, and analysisExceptional attention to detail and commitment to payroll accuracyStrong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities and consistently meet deadlinesExcellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skillsAbility to work independently while maintaining a high level of accuracy and accountabilityBenefits & Culture:Medical, Dental, Vision InsuranceShort-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability InsuranceCompany Paid Life Insurance w/ additional Voluntary Life Insurance401K w/ company matchEmployee Stock Ownership ProgramPaid VacationServant Leadership Training