Senior Payroll Specialist

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Payroll Specialist based in United States.

This role is responsible for delivering accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations in a complex organizational environment. You will independently manage biweekly and off-cycle payroll activities, including adjustments, reconciliations, and final pay. The position requires strong attention to detail and the ability to resolve sensitive payroll issues efficiently. You will collaborate closely with HR, benefits, time and attendance teams, and external payroll partners. The role also provides opportunities to strengthen controls, improve processes, support system testing, and contribute to payroll projects. As a senior team member, you will help identify risks, resolve complex issues, and mentor less experienced payroll professionals. This is a remote, 11-month opportunity offering a strong blend of operational ownership, analytical work, and cross-functional collaboration.

Accountabilities: Process accurate and timely biweekly and off-cycle payroll in accordance with internal policies and applicable regulations.

Process employee compensation transactions, including regular pay, time, leave, time-off, retroactive pay, one-time payments, and benefit adjustments.

Review and process final pay for terminated employees, including accrued time off and applicable severance.

Research and resolve complex payroll discrepancies and employee inquiries in partnership with HR Service teams and other stakeholders.

Manage payroll-related issues involving employee overpayments, ACH rejects, garnishments, taxable stock transactions, and related corrections and reconciliations.

Review leave-of-absence transactions and adjust time-off accruals when employees' scheduled hours change.

Create, audit, validate, and reconcile payroll upload files and other payroll-related transactions.

Coordinate with third-party payroll providers and garnishment administrators to establish, reconcile, and resolve payroll matters.

Maintain payroll documentation, internal controls, audit requirements, and compliance standards.

Identify, document, and escalate payroll risks and issues when appropriate.

Partner with HR, payroll, benefits, time and attendance, and external providers to maintain effective payroll operations.

Support payroll system testing, process improvement initiatives, projects, and other operational activities.

Train and mentor less experienced Payroll team members, sharing knowledge and best practices.

Ensure payroll transactions are accurately documented, reconciled, completed on schedule, and compliant with relevant requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

At least 3 years of progressive payroll processing experience, preferably within a large or complex organization.

Strong knowledge of biweekly payroll processing, time and attendance practices, leave administration, and applicable payroll regulations.

Hands-on experience with payroll adjustments, off-cycle payments, final pay, overpayments, garnishments, ACH transactions, and leave-related payroll activities.

Strong analytical, reconciliation, multitasking, and problem-solving skills.

Excellent attention to detail and demonstrated ability to meet strict payroll deadlines.

Ability to independently manage complex payroll activities while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality.

Strong understanding of payroll accounting, reconciliations, audits, internal controls, compliance, and payroll documentation.

Excellent verbal and written English communication skills.

Ability to handle sensitive and confidential employee information with discretion and professionalism.

Experience with third-party payroll providers and garnishment administrators is preferred.

Experience with Workday Payroll, Workday HCM, or Workday Time and Attendance is preferred.

Experience supporting payroll system testing, process improvement initiatives, and related projects is preferred.

Experience training or mentoring payroll professionals is an advantage.

Benefits

Competitive hourly compensation of $22.61–$33.00 per hour , depending on skills, training, experience, education, market conditions, and applicable credentials.

Competitive benefits package.

Fully remote work arrangement.

11-month contract duration.

Opportunity to work in a complex payroll environment with cross-functional HR and business teams.

Opportunities to contribute to payroll technology, process improvement, system testing, and operational projects.

Professional development and mentoring opportunities through collaboration with experienced payroll professionals.

How Jobgether works: We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team. We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!  Why Apply Through Jobgether?    Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.     #LI-CL1