Payroll Specialist - Tax

Position Purpose:

The Payroll Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of payroll operations for our business customers. This position demands a detail-oriented professional, proficient in Workday, to manage high-volume payroll processing, conduct audits, and perform reconciliation duties, contributing to the team's productivity and efficiency in a fast-paced environment. By collaborating closely with HR teams and management, the Payroll Specialist ensures compliance with all legal and institutional requirements while maintaining client privacy and providing precise documentation and reporting.

Key Responsibilities:

- Oversee payroll operations to ensure timely and accurate payroll processing, demonstrating attention to detail and commitment to precision.

- Compile and present key operational payroll metrics and dashboards, enabling data-driven decision-making and performance optimization.

- Prepare and submit periodic payroll reconciliation reports for management review, ensuring alignment with financial goals and compliance standards.

- Manage and optimize payroll workflow, driving efficiency and maximizing productivity in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.

- Conduct comprehensive audits of timesheets to verify accurate wages and benefits distribution, ensuring compliance with organizational and legal requirements.

- Accurately record and document all payroll transactions, maintaining detailed and organized records for reporting and audit purposes.

- Identify and resolve payroll discrepancies through rigorous research and analysis, providing timely updates to management.

- Collaborate with HR teams to implement necessary changes and updates to payroll accounts, ensuring seamless integration and compliance with institutional policies.

Direct Manager Direct Reports:

The Payroll Specialist reports directly to the Payroll Tax Supervisor. This position requires effective coordination with various teams but does not include overseeing any direct reports. The Payroll Specialist functions within a collaborative team setting, ensuring seamless payroll operations and compliance with organizational standards.

Travel Requirements:

The Payroll Specialist is not required to travel as part of their role, focusing entirely on managing and ensuring the efficient execution of payroll operations within the company's office.

Physical Requirements:

The Payroll Specialist role primarily involves standard office-based physical requirements aligned with a professional work environment. These include the ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while operating a computer and other office equipment, such as telephones, printers, and scanners, to fulfill job duties effectively. Frequent communication with team members and management necessitates the ability to exchange accurate information verbally and in written form. Occasionally, there may be a requirement to move about the office to access files, office supplies, or attend meetings. The role may also involve the ability to lift items such as files, documents, or laptop equipment, which typically weigh up to 10 pounds. The company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions and encourages all qualified individuals to apply. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, free from discrimination or bias.

Working Conditions:

In the role of Payroll Specialist, you will operate primarily within a high-volume office environment, designed to support collaborative teamwork and effective communication among skilled professionals. Our workplace cultivates an atmosphere that balances productivity with professionalism, encouraging shared insights and solutions across departmental lines. The position is defined by a fast-paced, deadline-driven cadence, necessitating precision and a commitment to excellence. You will thrive in this setting by demonstrating adeptness at handling complex payroll operations efficiently, ensuring accuracy and meeting regulatory standards promptly. This role demands an outcome-focused mindset and the ability to adapt swiftly to the dynamic needs of the organization, staying aligned with our goal of maintaining superior payroll service and operational efficiency.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent; Bachelor's degree preferred.
- Minimum of three years of relevant experience in payroll processing or a similar role.

Technical Proficiencies:
- Proven experience with Workday; applications without this experience will not be considered.
- Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.
- Strong working knowledge of payroll software systems; additional experience with Workday is highly advantageous.

Skills and Competencies:
- In-depth understanding of tax codes and regulations.
- Strong bookkeeping skills with a meticulous attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated capability in problem-solving and analytical thinking.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team, exhibiting strong interpersonal skills.
- Proven aptitude for numbers and a commitment to accuracy and precision.
- Capacity to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Compliance and Ethics:
- unwavering commitment to maintaining compliance with all legal and institutional requirements.
- Demonstrated respect for client privacy and confidentiality in all interactions.

Preferred Qualifications:

The ideal candidate for the Payroll Specialist position will possess a combination of advanced technical skills, relevant professional experience, and personal attributes that align with the strategic goals and operational needs. While not mandatory, the following qualifications are highly regarded:

- Advanced Workday Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in leveraging advanced functionalities within Workday to optimize payroll processes, enhance data analytics capabilities, and facilitate comprehensive reporting. Certification in Workday Payroll Management is a distinct advantage.

- Certification in Payroll Processing: Holders of a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) from the American Payroll Association (APA) are highly preferred, reflecting a commitment to professional development and mastery in payroll management.

- Experience in High-Volume Payroll Environments: Proven success managing payroll operations within large-scale or multinational companies, adapting to complex, dynamic, and high-pressure contexts to ensure timely and accurate payroll processing.

- Knowledge of Global Payroll Regulations: Familiarity with international payroll and tax regulations, including experience with expatriate payroll management and cross-border taxation issues, supporting compliance in a global business environment.

- HRIS and Data Analysis Integration: Experience integrating payroll systems with Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) and leveraging data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions and process improvements across HR and finance teams.

- Process Improvement and Automation Skills: Demonstrable experience implementing process improvements and automation tools to streamline payroll operations, enhance accuracy, and reduce operational costs.

7. Advanced Excel Skills: Proficiency in advanced Excel functions, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, macros, and data visualization techniques, to aid in detailed data analysis and reporting capabilities.

8. Exceptional Communication and Interpersonal Skills: A track record of effectively collaborating with cross-functional teams, providing clear and concise communication with stakeholders, and fostering a collegial work environment.

9. Commitment to Continuous Learning: Engagement in relevant ongoing training and professional development activities, staying abreast of industry trends, regulatory changes, and technological advancements in payroll and human resources.

10. Demonstrated Leadership Abilities: Previous experience in leadership or mentorship roles, contributing to team development, promoting a culture of excellence, and driving organizational success through effective guidance and support.

These preferred qualifications are designed to identify candidates who can not only fulfill the operational responsibilities of the role but also contribute to the strategic growth and success of SRS Heritage Group.

Minimum Education:

The minimum education requirement for the Payroll Specialist position is a high school diploma or equivalent; however, preference will be given to candidates possessing a Bachelor's degree.

Preferred Education:

A bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field is preferred, underscoring our commitment to fostering advanced analytical skills and comprehensive payroll management capabilities.

Minimum Years Of Work Experience:

The Minimum Years of Work Experience required for the Payroll Specialist role is 3 years.

Certifications:

- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred.
- Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) is advantageous.

Competencies:

- Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities for effective interaction with HR teams and management to ensure payroll accuracy and address discrepancies promptly.
- Organizational Proficiency: Advanced capability to manage workflows and prioritize tasks in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment, ensuring timely and precise payroll processing.
- Technical Aptitude: Strong proficiency in Workday and Microsoft Office to efficiently compile operational payroll metrics, conduct analyses, and manage payroll accounts.
- Analytical Thinking: Acute problem-solving skills to research, analyze, and resolve discrepancies in payroll transactions, maintaining accuracy in taxation, garnishments, and reconciliation.
- Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail to audit timesheets, record transactions, and ensure compliance with legal and institutional payroll requirements.
- Team Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with skilled professionals, contributing to a team-oriented environment that maximizes efficiency and productivity.
- Compliance Expertise: Profound understanding of tax codes and institutional policies to ensure all payroll operations remain in compliance, protecting client privacy and organizational integrity.
- Client Privacy Respect: Strong commitment to maintaining client confidentiality through precise documentation and secure management of sensitive payroll information.