Payroll Specialist

Job Responsibilities:

• Serve as the escalation point for complex payroll inquiries and Tier 2 case investigations
• Analyze payroll data, identify root causes, and coordinate corrective actions across multiple departments
• Manage the full lifecycle of payroll cases including intake, documentation, investigation, resolution, and closure
• Maintain accurate records within case management systems while ensuring compliance with audit and regulatory requirements
• Generate and analyze reports on case volume, SLA compliance, trends, and issue resolution metrics
• Partner with HR, Finance, IT, and other stakeholders to improve payroll processes and implement preventative controls
• Provide training, guidance, and knowledge-sharing support to Tier 1 payroll staff
• Ensure payroll issues are resolved accurately and within established service levels
• Support payroll compliance activities related to federal and state regulations
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and operational efficiency projects

Skills:

• Strong knowledge of payroll principles, processes, and payroll administration
• Experience handling Tier 2 payroll cases and complex issue resolution
• Proficiency with payroll systems, including SAP ECP preferred
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and Power Query skills
• Understanding of federal and state payroll tax regulations, including FICA, IRS, and state withholding requirements
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to explain complex payroll issues to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills
• Customer service mindset with a focus on timely and accurate resolution
• Ability to collaborate effectively across multiple departments

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum 3 years of experience in payroll processing and case management
• At least 1 year of experience handling Tier 2 or advanced payroll issues
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification preferred
• Experience with SAP Employee Central Payroll (ECP) strongly preferred
• Knowledge of payroll compliance regulations and audit requirements