Senior Payroll Specialist

The Senior Payroll Specialist is responsible for accurate, timely, and compliant processing of payroll and for ensuring all payroll related expenses, liabilities.

• Prepares and files all payroll taxes to government authorities, to include local, city, state, and federal taxes. Responsible for ensuring each entity is in compliance for reporting and paying each tax as required by each state and federal government
• Enters New Hire and Employee Status Report revisions into the payroll database
• Prepares regular payroll report and/or special reports for Senior Management
• Trains alternate/back-up position in payroll processing procedures, as necessary and/or when changes occur
• Reconciles payroll tax accounts for W-2 processing, distribution and electronic filing
• Works closely with Human Resources to ensure accurate input of employee payroll information
• Acts as administrator of Employee Paid Expense Reimbursement Policy and T&E system, as applicable
• Identifies opportunities to improve payroll efficiencies, automation, reporting, and controls and works with supervisors, Human Resources department, and payroll provider representative to implement, as needed

Ability to own the job functions, and other related duties as assigned, with limited supervision accruals, and reconciliations are accurately reflected in the general ledger and financial statements. This role reports the Financial Accounting Manager.

• Acts as primary administrator for accounting payroll functions and is power user of payroll/HRIS system
• Maintains tax-related updates (W-4 and State and/or Federal Income Tax Elections) for employees in payroll/HRIS system
• Manages employee and employer deductions (garnishments, child support, etc.) in payroll/HRIS system
• Responsible for processing biweekly/weekly payrolls from payroll/HRIS system, as well as special payrolls, commissions, and bonus payments, etc. , in accordance with proper procedures and ensures deadlines are consistently met
• Prepares and posts payroll journal entries and ensures payroll costs are properly recorded to general ledger accounts and cost centers
• Research and resolve variances or exceptions timely
• Prepares and reconciles taxes and garnishments
• Prepares answers for Writs of Garnishments as needed and generates notification to employees in a timely manner
• Verifies 401K savings and 401K loans for submission
• Updates and maintains payroll system for payroll processing
• Responsible for testing and verifying accuracy of payroll processing and accounting procedures when payroll updates are made (including change in payroll system)
• Calculates and prepares necessary payroll related accruals as part of monthly financial close
• Serves as primary point of contact for payroll questions and provides timely resolution while maintaining confidentiality

All Employees are responsible for reporting food safety and quality issues to those that can initiate action.

High School Education or equivalent;
Associates degree or some relevant college preferred

Five (5) years of full charge payroll processing

• Excellent organizational and oral and written communication skills
• Mathematical, clerical, and reasoning skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel
• Strong knowledge of all Company payroll policies
• Excellent time management skills
• High attention to detail and follow directions
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Power user of company's payroll/HRIS system or ability to learn once in the position