Payroll Tax Administrator II

Payroll Tax Specialist

UDR is seeking a Payroll Tax Specialist to join our Payroll team. This role is ideal for an experienced payroll professional who brings strong expertise in payroll tax compliance, multi-state taxation, reconciliations, reporting, and regulatory requirements.

You'll serve as a key resource for payroll tax while remaining connected to the broader payroll function, partnering across Payroll, HR, HRIS, Benefits, Finance, and Accounting.

What You'll Do

• Tax Filing:
  Oversee the tax service vendor who will prepare, review, and file quarterly and annual federal, state, and local payroll tax returns.
• Compliance Management:
  Monitor changing tax laws to ensure corporate policies remain fully compliant.
• Issue Resolution:
  Investigate and resolve tax notices, tracer letters, and penalties from tax authorities.
• Account Reconciliation:
  Reconcile payroll tax accounts against the general ledger each month.
• Year-End Processing:
  Lead year-end payroll tasks, including W-2 verification, correction, and distribution.
• System Maintenance:
  Update tax rates and configurations within the payroll software.
• Audit Support:
  Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external payroll tax audits.
• Support as needed the regular duties associated with the overall preparation, generation, and distribution of the Company's bi-weekly and weekly payrolls; to include but are not limited to:
• Process requests submitted via the UKG ticketing system or to the payroll team email box.
• Respond to associates and their managers regarding inquiries about their paychecks including payroll calculations and deductions. Investigate payroll problems and make appropriate corrections when necessary.
• Prepare and distribute final payment of wages per state laws and severance checks per the agreement provided by human resources.
• Collaborate with cross functional partners in human resources (primarily benefits and HRIS) and finance/accounting teams to ensure accurate records are kept.
• Assists with special projects within the payroll department.
• Create and/or prepare various payroll reports, participate in audits, and other payroll related projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Performance Requirements

• Knowledge of organizational policies and procedures. Knowledge of UDR Company policies and procedures. Ability to apply policies and procedures to solve everyday Company issues or seek advice.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with payroll policies and procedures. Strong payroll management skills. Ability to exercise initiative, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Knowledge of payroll policies and procedures. Ability to calculate figures and amounts. Ability to define and explain problems to the team.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple projects simultaneously to meet critical deadlines. Ability to maintain strictest level of confidentiality.
• Advanced interpersonal skills supporting the ability to work in conjunction with Company managers and associates. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to respond to common inquiries. Ability to effectively present information to senior management.

Physical Demands

Occasionally lifting items weighing up to 10 lbs. Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, copy/scan/fax machine, calculator, etc. Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate reports. Extensive data input and required ability to sit for long periods of time. Regular and consistent attendance on the job is an essential function.

Typical Working Conditions

Normal office environment. In-office hybrid 3x week. Rare evening or weekend work.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or business administration or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Minimum of four to six years of experience in payroll administration.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in payroll tax.
• Solid understanding and demonstrated success of automated tax filing systems and multi-state tax reciprocity rules.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite and HRIS systems (e.g., UKG,…