Sr Payroll Specialist

2626 W Beryl Ave Phoenix Arizona, 85021, Starting Pay :$30.00 Hourly

The Senior Payroll Specialist is responsible for independently managing end-to-end payroll processing for all Team Members while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely execution for Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona (GCNA) and its affiliated entities. This role supports all payroll operations, maintains thorough payroll documentation, and serves as a subject matter expert within the organization. Collaborates closely with HR, Finance, IT, and external vendors, guides less experienced Team Members, and acts as team lead in the absence of the Payroll Manager.

This position requires exceptional attention to detail, strong technical expertise, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

• Independently manages full-cycle payroll processing for all Team Members, including validation of new hires, terminations, bonuses, and benefit deductions.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and international payroll regulations, wage and hour laws, and tax requirements.
• Prepares manual pay, pay cards, and termination checks using payroll calculation tools.
• Reviews payroll data before and after transmission, ensuring accuracy, proper documentation, and required approvals.
• Processes and maintains detailed records of all court-ordered wage garnishments, child support orders, and tax levies.
• Supports year-end processes including W-2s, and 1099s.
• Works closely with HR and IT to ensure payroll systems accurately reflect benefit deductions, accrual changes, HRIS updates, timekeeping updates, and tax changes.
• Coordinates with external payroll vendors to ensure accuracy and timely delivery.
• Informs management of payroll issues impacting financial reporting and organizational planning.
• Researches and resolves payroll inquiries from Team Members, supervisors, and stakeholders.
• Maintains accurate payroll records and generates reports for audits, compliance reviews, and internal stakeholders.
• Prepares and maintains all supporting documentation for manual payroll entries.
• Assists with transmitting accurate payrolls by reviewing previews, exception reports, and manual batches.
• Prepares special reports and handles special projects as assigned by management.
• Maintains payroll-related reports in pre-established, easy-to-access formats.
• Trains, mentors, and reviews work of less experienced Payroll Specialists, especially during onboarding.
• Serves as team lead in the absence of the Payroll Manager and handles escalated payroll issues.
• Stays current on payroll and benefits tax laws across all applicable states.
• Models Goodwill Core Values including Trust, Collaboration, Engagement, Ownership, and Innovation.
• Maintains regular and consistent in-person attendance.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Must have 5+ years' experience processing payroll for 1,500+ employees.
• Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) strongly preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. payroll regulations and wage & hour laws.
• Experience using MS Office Suite, including strong Excel skills using VLOOKUP, formulas, and pivot tables.
• Strong proficiency using ADP required, experience with Workday preferred.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with integrity.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, good organizational skills and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to speak and read English proficiently.
• Ability to pass a background check and drug screen, where applicable for position.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

You will be eligible for a comprehensive Total Rewards package, 1st of the month following 60 days of employment that includes the following:

• 5 Medical Plans
• Employer Funded Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
• 3 Dental Plans
• Vision Plan
• 401K
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Time Off;
  Sick and Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• These are just a few highlights of our key benefit offerings!

Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified individuals seeking employment are considered without regard to race (including traits associated with race, e.g., hairstyles), color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, disability, military status, age, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state and local fair employment practice laws.

Individuals with a disability may be…