Senior Payroll Specialist

At Core States Group, the work you do matters to the clients we serve, the communities we support, and the teams who rely on one another to deliver with excellence. Our Cause is powerful: to create a world where all environments improve everyday life.

Why Professionals Choose Core States Group

Here's what you can expect:

• COMPENSATION – Competitive wages and bonus programs
• RETIREMENT – We offer a great 401(k) match to help you invest in your future and grow your retirement savings with confidence.
• HEALTHCARE – Excellent health benefits, life insurance options, and supplemental benefit options, giving you the flexibility to choose the coverage that best fits your needs and lifestyle. 
• VACATION – Generous PTO time to help you recharge, relax, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• PERKS – Team wellness challenges, Costco membership reimbursement, half-day Fridays during summer months + much more!
• WORK-LIFE BALANCE – A flexible work environment that supports a healthy work-life balance, whether you’re in the office, working remotely, or somewhere in between.
• PAID PARENTAL LEAVE – Four weeks of fully paid parental leave to give you time to bond with your new addition and support your growing family.
• TUITION REIMBURSEMENT – Advance your education with support!  We offer tuition reimbursement to support your learning journey.

Summary of the Role

As a Senior Payroll Specialist, you will support the administration of payroll, payroll tax and HR systems to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely processing. This position plays a key role in maintaining data integrity, running audits and reports, and serving as a reliable resource for employee questions. The ideal candidate combines technical accuracy with clear communication and a strong sense of accountability.   

Responsibilities

• Payroll Administration
  • Prepare and process bi-weekly payrolls, ensuring accuracy in hours, deductions, and pay adjustments.
  • Manage all payroll taxes and reconciliation in partnership with our HRIS Smart Compliance team. 
  • Maintain employee payroll records for new hires, terminations, and changes.
  • Audit payroll reports for accuracy and resolve discrepancies before processing.
  • Support year-end activities including W-2 preparation, tax filings, and reconciliations.
  • Partner with Finance and Accounting to verify payroll data and GL postings.
• HRIS and Timesheet Management
  • Maintain accuracy of employee data within HRIS and timekeeping systems 
  • Audit and verify timekeeping data for compliance with policies and pay rules.
  • Run standard and ad hoc reports to support HR, payroll, and compliance needs.
  • Identify and correct data inconsistencies to maintain system integrity.
• Reporting and Compliance
  • Assist with audits including payroll tax, workers’ compensation, and benefits compliance.
  • Generate and review reports for management to support data-driven decisions.
• Employee Support and Communication
  • Respond to employee questions regarding pay and HR policies in a professional and approachable manner.
  • Prepare clear written communications about payroll schedules, benefit deadlines, and policy updates.
  • Maintain confidentiality and accuracy in all employee-related matters.
  • Other duties as required

Qualifications

We’re looking for talented professionals who are eager to grow their skills and contribute to high-quality, meaningful work. If you’re driven, collaborative, and ready to take the next step in your career, we want to hear from you. The following qualifications will help you succeed in this role:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field preferred 
• Payroll or HR certification preferred  
• 5+ years of proven experience in the Payroll field
• Working knowledge of payroll and accounting principles and practices
• Experience working with accounting, payroll and HRIS software in a similar role Specifically, ADP WorkForce Now and DelTek VantagePoint experience preferred
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Excel and general computer systems. (i.e. VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, etc.)

Work Location

This role is a hybrid position (2 days a week) based out of our Duluth, GA office.

Company Overview

Core States Group designs, builds, and manages programs and projects across North America and has been recognized on top lists throughout the architecture, engineering, and construction (A/E/C) industry. Established in 1999, the company offers integrated solutions with seamless continuity, and many of the world’s most notable brands count on Core States Group to deliver speed to market, cost certainty, and compelling design. 

With 24 offices across the United States and Canada, Core States Group is an industry powerhouse that drives innovation and improves everyday life for countless people across several markets, including Community, Convenience, Distributed Generation, Financial, Grocery, Housing, Industrial, Restaurants, Retail, Semiconductor, Tribal, Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Infrastructure, and more. Visit us at www.core-states.com.

A Note to Candidates

Please do not be concerned if you do not meet every requirement. At Core States we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. 

This position will remain open until it is filled.