Senior Payroll Specialist

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We are seeking a detail-oriented Sr. Payroll Specialist to process accurate and timely payroll for multiple entities. This role ensures full compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations, and adheres to each entity's unique reporting requirements. The Sr. Payroll Specialist will support regular and special payroll situations, oversee related tax filings, and continually seek process improvements.This position can be located in either Pittsburgh, PA or Shelton, CT.

Job Highlights

• Payroll Processing: Accurately process payroll for multiple entities, including time entry verification, new hires, rehires, terminations, tax information, benefit and deduction management, bonuses, awards, fringe benefits, relocations, garnishments, and child support withholdings.
• Manual Transactions: Process manual checks and voids promptly as needed.
• Union & CBA Compliance: Stay informed of union contract changes, maintaining compliance with current collective bargaining agreements and related regulations.
• Tax Management: Prepare and file federal, state, and local tax reports across multiple FEINs; ensure correct withholding rates, timely deposits, and compliance with all applicable tax laws and multi-state payroll tax regulations.
• System & Data Management: Review and validate data interfaced from SuccessFactor to UKG Pro payroll system. Audit payroll data for accuracy, resolve discrepancies, and process incoming payroll data from multiple departments and systems.
• Issue Resolution: Troubleshoot and resolve payroll system issues, ensuring smooth payroll processing across all entities.
• Payroll Reconciliation: Reconcile payroll liabilities (such as union dues, United Way, and 401k); reconcile gross-to-net payroll, and prepare journal entries for the accounting system.
• Employee Support: Communicate payroll-related information to employees, including pay statements and tax withholdings.
• Reporting: Generate and distribute payroll reports to finance and HR, and prepare month-end and year-end reports for financial and audit purposes for each business unit.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify, suggest, and help implement process enhancements to ensure efficient, accurate payroll operations.
• Year-End Processing: Complete accurate and timely year-end tasks, including W-2 and/or T4 processing, tax reconciliations (941s, 940s), and state unemployment filings.

Experience and Skills

• 5-10 years of experience in payroll processing from start to finish, preferably in a large multi-entity multi-state, union environment
• Experience with multiple FEINs, including managing payroll for different entities with varying tax requirements
• Strong understanding of payroll compliance, including federal and state labor laws, multi-state tax regulations, and wage and hour laws
• Strong understanding of collective bargaining agreements and payroll compliance within unionized workforces
•  Experience with payroll software systems (Ultimate Software or similar platforms)
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, intermediate in other MS Office programs
• Knowledge of basic accounting methods and principles
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy in processing payroll for multiple entities
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with sensitive financial and personal data
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) preferred but not required