Senior Payroll Specialist - Hypergrowth AI Technology - Onsite

Senior Payroll Specialist - Hypergrowth AI Technology Company - Onsite

We are seeking a detail-oriented Senior Payroll Specialist to manage end-to-end U.S. payroll operations for a fast-scaling, hypergrowth AI technology company. This role is critical to ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing, supporting the month-end close, audits, and continuous process improvement. The position partners closely with HR, Finance, and external vendors to maintain strong internal controls and deliver an exceptional employee payroll experience.

This role reports to the Controller.

• Process full-cycle U.S. payroll (weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly) for salaried and hourly employees.
• Calculate and validate wages, overtime, bonuses, commissions, and deductions to ensure payroll accuracy.
• Ensure precise calculation of wages, overtime, bonuses, commissions, and statutory deductions.
• Conduct comprehensive payroll audits and reconciliations, including pre- and post-payroll reviews.
• Prepare, review, and post payroll journal entries as part of the monthly close cycle.
• Reconcile payroll-related accounts, accruals, and liability balances (wages, taxes, benefits, garnishments).
• Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end payroll close activities.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax and withholding requirements.
• Oversee payroll tax filings, payments, corrections, and year-end reporting (W-2, W-2C).
• Administer and audit employee expense reports and reimbursements through SAP Concur.
• Reconcile expense reimbursements to payroll and general ledger accounts.
• Serve as a point of contact for employee payroll questions and issue resolution.
• Maintain strong internal controls and support SOX compliance and audit initiatives.
• Partner cross‑functionally with HR, Finance, and external vendors to ensure data accuracy and process efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and support payroll system enhancements.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in U.S. payroll processing.
• In‑depth knowledge of U.S. payroll regulations, tax with holdings, and compliance standards.
• Demonstrated success in payroll audits, reconciliations, and month‑end close processes.
• Practical experience using SAP Concur for expense and reimbursement management.
• Experience working with payroll platforms such as ADP, SAP Payroll, Workday, or Paychex.
• Advanced Excel proficiency, including pivot tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, and complex formulas.

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).
• Multi‑state payroll processing experience.
• Background working in SOX‑compliant and audit‑driven environments.
• Experience with in shared services or large, complex organizations.
• Exceptional attention to detail with a strong commitment to accuracy.
• Solid accounting foundation and analytical mindset.
• Proven ability to meet strict payroll and close deadlines.
• Clear, professional communication and strong problem‑solving skills.
• High level of integrity and discretion when handling confidential payroll information.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Accounting/Auditing

Industries:
Motor Vehicle Manufacturing, Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing, and Industrial Machinery Manufacturing