Payroll Administrator

Senior Payroll Administrator Transwest is seeking a Senior Payroll Administrator to join and help lead our HR Team. The ideal candidate has deep payroll expertise, exceptional attention to detail, and a proactive, solutions-oriented approach. This role is responsible for overseeing complex, multi-state payroll operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and continual process improvement. You will partner closely with the Payroll Manager and serve as a subject-matter expert on payroll systems and regulations. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy owning high-impact work, we'd love to see your resume! We offer a full benefits package for eligible employees including: Medical, dental, and vision insurance Life and disability insurance 401(k) with company match beginning with your first contribution HSA and/or FSA, as applicable Paid time off, sick time, and company paid holidays Employee car discount program Essential duties and responsibilities: Lead and execute bi-weekly, semi-monthly, multi-state, and off-cycle payrolls for 1,300+ employees with a high degree of accuracy. Oversee the preparation, entry, auditing, and approval of payroll data, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws. Serve as a payroll subject-matter expert for new hire processing, payroll system configuration, and data integrity. Prepare and review complex payroll reports for accounting, benefits, audits, and deferred compensation. Maintain organized and accurate payroll records in accordance with internal controls and regulatory requirements. Partners with employees at all levels to address payroll inquiries with clarity, patience, and a solutions-first approach. Troubleshoot escalated payroll issues and provide guidance to HR, managers, and employees. Review and submit all payroll withholdings, including HSA, 401(k), garnishments, and other deductions. Process and audit final pay for terminated employees, ensuring statutory compliance. Partner with the Payroll Manager on garnishment administration and system enhancements. Conduct regular audits of payroll systems and employee data to ensure accuracy, compliance, and operational readiness. Identify, recommend, and help implement payroll process improvements and automation opportunities. Act as the departmental lead when the Payroll Manager is unavailable, providing direction and support to management. Assist with year-end payroll activities including W-2 preparation, reconciliations, and compliance reporting. Perform additional senior-level payroll duties as assigned. Work environment and physical abilities: Requires sitting, standing, balancing, bending or stooping for prolonged periods of time. Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, photocopier, telephone, calculator and other office equipment. Requires normal range of hearing and vision to record, prepare and communicate appropriate reports. Requires working in a fast-paced environment. Requires the ability to occasional travel to local business locations, during business hours, about 5-10% of the time. Required education, experience, knowledge & skills: High school diploma or equivalent (Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred). Valid Driver's License and MVR in good standing. 35+ years of high-volume, multi-state payroll experience, preferably in an organization of 1,000+ employees. Advanced knowledge of payroll best practices, wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and reporting requirements. Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, v-lookups, data validation, etc.). Experience with Paylocity; experience with system implementations or configuration a plus. Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain confidentiality. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively at all organizational levels. Demonstrated ability to communicate payroll information clearly and professionally, with a customer-service approach and commitment to resolving employee concerns. Demonstrated ability to problem-solve and lead initiatives. Ability to successfully complete a General Abilities Assessment and pass a post-offer background check, physical, and drug screening. Job details: Type: Salary Compensation Range: $70,000 - $90,000 Reports To: Payroll Manager Shift: 1st Closing Date: Open until filled