We are seeking a high-caliber, compliance-minded Sr. Payroll Specialist to own the execution, auditing, and optimization of our multi-state US payroll operations. This is a highly visible role that sits at the intersection of Finance, HR, and Technology. You will be responsible for managing complex weekly and bi-weekly payroll cycles, ensuring strict SOX compliance, and serving as a critical partner for system testing and cross-functional data integration. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, love leveraging technology like Workday and ServiceNow to solve complex problems, and pride yourself on 100% accuracy, this role is for you.
The Sr. Payroll Specialist will be expected to report onsite to your assigned office and work in a hybrid capacity. You'll be reporting directly to our Director, Payroll.
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Process accurate and timely multi-state payrolls for 15,000+ US weekly and bi-weekly employees
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Manage and audit time-tracking data within Workday to ensure accurate hours and reporting
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Partner cross-functionally with internal teams to gather, verify, and input manual payroll data
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Ensure all payroll data, transactions, and changes are thoroughly documented and audited for SOX compliance
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Process off-cycle payments, manual checks, and expedited runs as needed
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Perform and balance payroll-related bank reconciliations to support corporate accounting
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Run internal audits regularly to ensure strict alignment with company policies and guidelines
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Serve as Tier 3 support for advanced escalations via ServiceNow, investigating root causes and executing corrections
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Partner with the systems team as the core Point of Contact (POC) for user acceptance testing (UAT) on new configurations, payroll codes, and system updates prior to implementation
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Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide high-quality customer service
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Troubleshoot problems with paychecks, tax deductions, timecard issues, and other complex payroll-related matters
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High School Diploma, GED, or other recognized high school equivalency credential required
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5+ years of progressive experience in corporate payroll processing multi-state populations
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Advanced hands-on experience with Workday Payroll, Workday Time Tracking, and loading EIBs
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Strong foundational understanding of SOX compliance controls and internal auditing procedures
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Experience managing and resolving advanced case escalations within an enterprise ticketing system (e.g., ServiceNow)
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Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Google Suite for data analysis, reporting, and collaboration
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Prior exposure to or familiarity with Canadian payroll laws and/or equity/stock payroll processing is a plus
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Exceptional attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality
