Payroll Tax Specialist

Payroll And Sales Tax Compliance SpecialistRockForce is the trusted team setting the stage for the greatest moments in live events. With a legacy built on the unification of nine industry leaders, we bring decades of expertise to seamlessly execute concerts, festivals, sporting events, live broadcasts, award shows, and corporate activations.Through integrated event production, workforce solutions, innovative technologies, and payroll services, RockForce delivers precision, efficiency, and reliability at every scale.Our people are the magic-united by passion and skill, we operate as one unstoppable force to ensure every event is executed with professionalism, care, and an unwavering commitment to safety and compliance.Join us as we head into one of the most exciting eras in the live entertainment industry!Job DescriptionRockForce is seeking an experienced Tax Compliance Specialist to serve as the in-house subject matter expert and primary owner of payroll tax compliance across our Employer of Record (EOR) and corporate payroll operations. This is an experienced individual contributor role requiring hands-on experience preparing and submitting payroll tax filings directly to state and local agencies, resolving agency notices and audit inquiries, and managing the full lifecycle of multi-state payroll tax compliance.In addition to payroll tax expertise, this specialist will own sales and use tax compliance and support other transaction-based tax obligations. The ideal candidate brings 5–10 years of direct tax compliance experience, operates independently with a strong sense of ownership, and thrives in a fast-moving, multi-state environment.Role Level & GrowthThis is an experienced individual contributor role, not a management position that carries meaningful ownership and accountability for RockForce's most complex tax compliance obligations. As RockForce continues to scale its EOR and live event payroll services, this specialist will have increasing exposure to new state markets, complex employment tax structures, and strategic compliance initiatives.Key Responsibilities And Focus AreasPayroll Tax Compliance - Primary FocusPrepare, review, and submit multi-state payroll tax returns, reports, and deposits at the federal, state, and local levels directly interfacing with agency portals and taxing authoritiesServe as the primary point of contact for state and local agency inquiries, notices, and correspondence, research issues and drive responses through to resolutionManage new state tax registrations (withholding, unemployment, local), and handle account maintenance, closures, and amendmentsOwn payroll tax reconciliations, tying payroll registers to tax liabilities, payments, and general ledger accounts on a periodic and annual basisLead year-end payroll tax processes, including W-2/W-3 preparation, review, and filing; manage corrections and amended filings (W-2c) as neededIdentify and resolve discrepancies between payroll system outputs and agency records; proactively correct under/over-payments and missed filings before they become penaltiesManage payroll tax penalty and interest assessments; document outcomes and implement controls to prevent recurrenceEnsure compliance with SUI rates, taxable wage bases, and experience rating updates across all active states; manage new hire reporting obligationsMaintain strict filing calendars for EOR multi-state, multi-client payroll tax obligationsMonitor legislative and regulatory changes affecting payroll taxes (FUTA, SUTA, local income taxes, reciprocity agreements) and communicate impacts to leadershipPartner with payroll operations and HR to resolve employee-level withholding issues and ensure proper tax setup for new hires, multi-state workers, and remote employeesSales & Use TaxPrepare, file, and reconcile sales and use tax returns across multiple states and local jurisdictionsMonitor economic and physical nexus thresholds, manage registrations, and track rate and rule changes across active jurisdictionsMaintain tax filing calendars; manage extension requests where applicableManage and respond to sales and use tax audits, agency notices, and correspondence through resolutionPartner with operations and finance to ensure proper tax treatment of EOR services, live event production services, and equipment rental activity across state linesEvaluate taxability of bundled transactions and multi-jurisdictional activity; document positions and maintain supporting workpapersManage exemption certificate records and renewal processesSupport compliance related to gross receipts taxes, business privilege taxes, and similar non-income transaction taxes in applicable jurisdictionsAccounting & Finance SupportMaintain reconciliations for payroll tax liability, accrual, and clearing accounts; support monthly close activitiesAssist with documentation, schedules, and internal controls related to tax complianceSupport external audits, due diligence requests, and tax-related projects as neededQualificationsCore Competencies5–10 years of hands-on tax compliance experience with a primary emphasis on payroll taxDemonstrated experience preparing and submitting payroll tax filings directly to state and local agencies, not solely through a third-party payroll providerProven track record resolving payroll tax agency notices, audits, and account discrepanciesDeep working knowledge of federal payroll tax (FICA, FUTA, Forms 941/940) and multi-state withholding and unemployment obligationsExperience managing state tax registrations, amendments, and closures across multiple jurisdictionsSolid experience with multi-state sales and use tax complianceProficiency with payroll and accounting systems (e.g., ADP, Paylocity, Ceridian, Paychex, Sage Intacct, NetSuite, or similar) and advanced Excel skillsAbility to work independently, manage competing deadlines, and own compliance processes end-to-endPreferred SkillsCertified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation issued by the American Payroll Association (APA), or active pursuit; Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) considered for candidates with strong experienceExperience in an EOR, PEO, staffing, or professional employer services environmentFamiliarity with payroll tax compliance in the live events, entertainment, touring, or production industryBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related fieldExposure to gross receipts taxes and other non-income transaction-based taxesKey CompetenciesDeep technical ownership, comfortable being the in-house expert on payroll tax and standing behind compliance decisionsHighly organized with strong attention to detail and a track record of accurate, on-time filingsClear communicator with taxing agency representatives and internal stakeholders alikeProactive and self-directed, with the instinct to identify problems before they become penaltiesAdaptable and composed under pressure in a fast-growing, multi-state environmentCollaborative partner to payroll operations, HR, and finance teamsLocation: Hybrid, 3 days in-office (Whites Creek, TN)