Senior Payroll Specialist

Job Description

Senior Payroll Specialist

Setting/Hours: 100% In-Office | Full-time
Join trak group in partnering with a growing client in Cincinnati, Ohio that’s expanding its Shared Services team. 

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to oversee the full-cycle payroll process for multiple U.S. business units. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, maintaining payroll system integrity, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and serving as the subject matter expert for payroll operations. The ideal candidate has extensive Workday payroll experience, strong analytical skills, and a proven ability to manage complex, multi-state payroll processes in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end payroll process, including bi-weekly, multi-state payroll processing, garnishments, and payroll taxes.

• Maintain and administer Workday payroll and related payroll systems, ensuring data accuracy, system integrity, and seamless integration with HR and benefits platforms.

• Process payroll inputs including commissions, bonuses, overtime, benefit deductions, and other compensation adjustments.

• Maintain employee payroll records, including direct deposit information and federal, state, and local tax elections.

• Review and reconcile payroll data, timesheets, and attendance records prior to payroll submission.

• Prepare, reconcile, and validate payroll reports before transmission.

• Prepare and submit payroll tax filings and required reports to government agencies.

• Respond to employee payroll inquiries and provide guidance regarding pay, deductions, and payroll policies.

• Support employee training on payroll-related processes and systems.

• Manage funding and remittance of payroll deductions, including retirement plans and other voluntary benefits.

• Coordinate payroll-related data transfers between payroll, benefits, and other integrated systems.

• Ensure accurate processing of year-end payroll adjustments and W-2 reporting.

• Support SOX compliance activities by providing payroll documentation for internal and external audits.

• Stay current on payroll legislation, tax regulations, and compliance requirements.

• Assist with payroll reconciliations to the general ledger and monthly bank statements.

• Participate in special projects and continuous improvement initiatives as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field; payroll certification or equivalent experience is preferred.

• Minimum of 5 years of payroll processing experience, including at least 2 years independently managing multi-state payroll.

• 2–5 years of general accounting experience preferred.

• Extensive hands-on experience with Workday Payroll is required.

• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations and compliance requirements.

• Comprehensive knowledge of payroll best practices, payroll systems, and payroll legislation.

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality while handling sensitive employee and payroll information.

• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and consistently meet critical payroll deadlines.

• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

• Excellent communication and customer service skills.

• Self-motivated, detail-oriented professional with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

• Flexibility to work outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, or holidays, when payroll processing deadlines require.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and want to make an impact, partner with trak group to explore this opportunity.