Senior Payroll Specialist

Position Summary

Our client is growing and seeking an experienced and highly detail-oriented Senior Payroll Specialist to oversee payroll operations for a growing multi-state organization. This role is responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll while maintaining compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

As the organization’s payroll owner, this position plays a critical role in supporting payroll accuracy, strengthening compliance initiatives, and driving continuous process improvements within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate is technically skilled, compliance-focused, proactive, and comfortable working independently while collaborating closely with HR and Finance leadership.

This is an excellent opportunity for a payroll professional seeking visibility, ownership, and the ability to make a meaningful impact on a dynamic organization’s continued growth and evolution.

Key Responsibilities

• Process full-cycle, multi-state payroll for 500+ employees on weekly, biweekly, and semi-monthly schedules using ADP Workforce Now.
• Review and validate payroll data, including overtime, shift premiums, holiday pay, bonuses, production incentives, deductions, and garnishments.
• Ensure payroll transactions are processed accurately and in compliance with all federal, state, and local wage and hour laws.
• Review payroll tax filings and support payroll tax compliance activities in partnership with ADP and Finance.
• Maintain payroll tax account records and payroll-related documentation across multiple jurisdictions.
• Administer payroll changes related to new hires, terminations, compensation adjustments, benefits deductions, and other employee data updates.
• Respond promptly and professionally to payroll-related inquiries from employees, managers, and external agencies.
• Support payroll audits by preparing payroll records, reports, and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate responses to payroll notices, agency inquiries, audits, and payroll discrepancies.
• Maintain payroll records in accordance with company policies and record retention requirements.
• Assist Finance with payroll reconciliations and reporting as needed.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, increase efficiency, strengthen internal controls, and enhance documentation.
• Partner closely with HR leadership to support payroll projects, system enhancements, process improvements, and organizational growth initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field required; bachelor’s degree preferred. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience processing multi-state payroll.
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now required.
• Experience managing payroll for both hourly and salaried employees, including complex pay practices and multiple payroll schedules.
• Strong working knowledge of payroll laws, wage and hour compliance, payroll taxes, garnishments, and payroll best practices.
• Advanced attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and technical abilities.
• High level of discretion with the ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and payroll reporting.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Why Join ?

• Opportunity to serve as the primary payroll owner within a growing organization
• High-visibility role partnering directly with HR and Finance leadership
• Opportunity to contribute to process improvements and operational enhancements
• Collaborative, team-oriented, and growth-focused environment
• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• Eligible for annual bonus opportunity