Payroll Specialist

A growing international organization is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to support payroll administration across multiple business entities and geographic regions. This role will serve as a key contributor to payroll processing, compliance activities, vendor coordination, employee data management, and payroll-related financial reporting.

The ideal candidate combines strong payroll knowledge with analytical skills and the ability to manage sensitive information in a fast-paced, global environment.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Operations

• Coordinate payroll processing activities for domestic and international employee populations.
• Review payroll data to ensure timely and accurate payment of wages, bonuses, allowances, and other compensation components.
• Verify employee earnings, deductions, taxes, and benefit elections prior to payroll finalization.
• Conduct payroll audits and validation checks to identify discrepancies and resolve issues proactively.
• Prepare payroll reconciliations and variance analyses to support payroll accuracy and compliance.

Compliance & Tax Administration

• Assist with federal, state, and local payroll tax compliance requirements.
• Investigate and resolve payroll tax, reporting, and withholding matters across multiple jurisdictions.
• Partner with third-party payroll providers to ensure legislative changes are implemented correctly.
• Support year-end payroll activities, tax reporting, and audit preparation.
• Record payroll-related transactions and journal entries as required.
• Reconcile payroll-related balance sheet accounts and maintain supporting documentation.
• Generate recurring and ad hoc reports for Finance, HR, and leadership teams.
• Provide payroll data and supporting schedules for internal and external audits.

Process Improvement

• Maintain payroll procedures, workflow documentation, and process maps.
• Participate in testing system enhancements, payroll updates, and process changes.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll controls, efficiency, and data accuracy.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across payroll and related business processes.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 4+ years of payroll experience in a multi-company, multi-state, or global payroll environment.
• Working knowledge of payroll accounting principles and general ledger impacts.
• Experience collaborating with third-party payroll vendors.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive employee and payroll information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally.

Preferred

• Associate's degree or higher in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related discipline.
• Experience supporting international payroll operations.
• Advanced Excel capabilities including formulas, lookups, and data analysis.
• Experience with ERP systems and payroll platforms such as Oracle, ADP, UKG, Workday, or similar solutions.
• Familiarity with benefits administration and payroll-related compliance requirements.

What You'll Bring

• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Strong customer service approach when supporting employees and internal stakeholders.
• Collaborative communication style and professional judgment.