Senior Payroll Specialist

Job Summary

The Senior Payroll Specialist is responsible for overseeing the accurate and timely processing of payroll for all employees, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This role serves as a key resource for payroll system management, troubleshooting, and process improvement, while also mentoring junior payroll staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Payroll Processing:

• Prepare and process bi-weekly or monthly payroll for all employees, including regular, overtime, and special payments.

• Ensure accuracy in employee compensation, deductions, benefits, and taxes.

• Reconcile payroll discrepancies and resolve payroll-related issues promptly.

• Compliance and Reporting:

• Ensure payroll operations comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including FLSA, IRS, and other tax requirements.

• Prepare and file quarterly and annual tax returns, including W-2s and other required documentation.

• System Maintenance:

• Serve as a system administrator for the payroll platform, managing configurations, upgrades, and integrations with other systems.

• Collaborate with IT and HRIS teams to ensure data integrity across systems.

• Auditing and Reconciliation:

• Perform regular audits of payroll data, including tax withholdings, benefits deductions, and timekeeping records.

• Reconcile payroll accounts with general ledger accounts in collaboration with the Finance department.

• Team Leadership and Training:

• Provide guidance and support to junior payroll team members, ensuring adherence to best practices.

• Conduct training sessions for staff on payroll policies and system updates.

• Process Improvement:

• Identify opportunities to streamline payroll operations and enhance efficiency.

• Develop and implement new policies and procedures to improve payroll accuracy and compliance.

• Employee Support:

• Address and resolve employee inquiries regarding payroll, deductions, and benefits.

• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information with discretion.

• All other duties assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Experience:

5+ years of payroll experience, with at least 2 years in a senior or supervisory role.

• Extensive knowledge of payroll systems (e.g., ADP, UKG, Paycom) and Microsoft Excel.

• Certifications (Preferred): Certified Payroll Professional (CPP).

• Skills and Competencies:

• Deep understanding of payroll laws, tax regulations, and accounting principles.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Attention to detail and ability to maintain accuracy under tight deadlines.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Proficient in managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Work Environment: Office setting with occasional need for extended hours during payroll deadlines or audits.

• Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer & occasionally required to lift files or materials up to 15 pounds.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

• Life & Disability Insurance (Short- and Long-Term)

• Retirement Plan with Employer Match

• Paid Time Off (PTO) & 6 Paid Holidays (+ 2 Floating Holidays)

• Tuition Assistance + Scholarships for You & Your Family

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Legal/Identity Theft Protection Plans

• Team Member Discounts

• Career Growth & Leadership Development Opportunities

Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, inclusion, and teamwork as the foundation of our workplace culture.