Senior Payroll Accountant

Position Summary

The Senior Payroll Accountant will play a key role in the end-to-end payroll processes, ensuring accuracy, compliance, efficiency and the timely processing of the Southland Industries’ multi-state payroll. The role requires a thorough understanding of payroll processes/practices, Federal, State/Local tax regulations, strong analytical skills, the ability to handle complex multi-state payroll scenarios, and exceptional organizational skills. Also prior experience with processing multiple Unions’ (Collective Bargaining Agreement) payrolls is preferred.

The Senior Payroll Accountant is also responsible for financial recordkeeping including recording financial transactions, managing accounts and account reconciliations, and ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. This position will provide a high level of customer service to both internal departments and external customers.

• Ensure accurate and timely processing of assigned financial and payroll transactions.
• Assist with the processing of all weekly multi-state Union and Non-Union payrolls for Southland Industries.
• Ensure accurate entry of working hours, wages, bonuses, adjustments.
• Handle off-cycle payrolls and payroll adjustments as needed.
• Process payroll for new hires, terminations, and other employee‑changes as needed.
• Research and resolve difficult discrepancies and irregularities in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
• Ensure compliance with required reporting per all applicable Union Collective Bargaining agreements.
• Ensure compliance with required Prevailing wage and Certified payroll reporting.
• Assist with preparation and submission of payroll tax filings and reports.
• Track and deduct garnishments, tax levies, and other special payroll deductions and needed.

• Respond to internal and external customer inquiries in a timely manner. Address and resolve complex payroll‑related inquiries and concerns from employees.
• Provide guidance on payroll policies and procedures as needed.
• Assist with educating employees on payroll‑related topics and change.

• Conduct regular audits to ensure payroll accuracy and compliance.
• Reconcile payroll prior to transmission and validate confirmed reports.
• Address and resolve any discrepancies in payroll data.
• Assist in addressing inquiries from External/Internal Audits.

• Assist with mentoring junior payroll staff.
• Assist with delegating tasks to ensure efficient workflow within the payroll team.
• Assist in the development and implementation of payroll training programs.

• Maintain and update payroll systems tables and employee records as needed.
• Assist in the implementation and maintenance of payroll software. This includes testing, table updates, and overall maintenance and support.
• Collaborate with IT and HR departments to resolve system issues as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance or equivalent experience preferred.
• 5‑8 years’ of payroll experience, full‑cycle payroll processing and with multi‑state payrolls.
• In‑depth understanding of payroll practices, tax regulations, and wage and hour laws.
• Experience and proficiency with large payroll software (e.g., Coins, ADP, Dayforce, UKG or In‑House/Non Outsourced processing software.)
• Coins ERP software knowledge preferred.
• Prior experience with processing Union (Collective Bargaining Agreement) payrolls, and Prevailing Wage and Certified payroll reports is a plus.
• Experience with external audits.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, and the ability to multi‑task.
• Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with intermediate to expert level ability to utilize EXCEL, MS Word, Power Point, Access, etc.
• Strong analytical skills. Attention to detail and accuracy and innovative problem‑solving resolution skills.
• Good verbal, written and active listening communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and service‑oriented skills in interactions with customers and colleagues. An ability to interface with all levels of employees.
• Strong Team collaboration skills, and the…