Sr Payroll Specialist

Our client is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior HR Payroll Specialist to own and manage payroll operations for a growing multi-state manufacturing organization. As the organization's sole payroll professional, this role is responsible for ensuring accurate, timely payroll processing while maintaining compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll regulations.

This position offers a high level of visibility and ownership, working closely with HR and Finance leadership to support payroll operations, compliance initiatives, process improvements, and continued organizational growth. The ideal candidate is technically strong, highly organized, proactive, and thrives in an independent, fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Process full-cycle, multi-state payroll for more than 400 employees on weekly, biweekly, and semi-monthly schedules using ADP Workforce Now.
• Review and validate payroll data, including overtime, shift differentials, holiday pay, bonuses, production incentives, deductions, and garnishments.
• Ensure payroll is processed accurately and in compliance with all federal, state, and local wage and hour laws.
• Partner with ADP and Finance to support payroll tax filings, compliance activities, and payroll reconciliations.
• Maintain payroll tax accounts and payroll documentation across multiple jurisdictions.
• Process employee payroll changes, including new hires, terminations, compensation updates, and benefit deductions.
• Respond to employee, management, and agency payroll inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Support internal and external payroll audits by preparing payroll records, reports, and required documentation.
• Manage payroll notices, agency correspondence, and payroll discrepancies.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, strengthen internal controls, increase efficiency, and enhance documentation.
• Collaborate with HR leadership on payroll projects, system enhancements, and organizational initiatives.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field required; bachelor's degree preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered.
• 3–5+ years of experience processing complex, multi-state payroll.
• Hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now is required.
• Experience supporting both hourly and salaried employee populations with multiple payroll schedules.
• Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, wage and hour compliance, payroll taxes, garnishments, and payroll best practices.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and payroll reporting.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and analytical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with a high level of discretion.
• Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize competing deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a payroll professional looking to take ownership of a critical function while making a meaningful impact within a growing organization.