Payroll Administrator

The Senior Payroll Administrator is responsible for the accurate and timely administration of multi-company and multi-state payroll operations. This role serves as a key payroll operations resource, ensuring payroll is processed efficiently, employee payroll records are maintained accurately, and all payroll activities comply with federal, state, and local regulations. The Senior Payroll Administrator partners closely with the People Team, Finance, Accounting, managers, and employees to resolve payroll-related issues, support timekeeping and payroll compliance, and ensure an exceptional employee experience. This position also contributes to process improvements, supports payroll-related projects and audits, and serves as a backup resource for the Payroll team as needed.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Administration & Processing

Administer and process bi-weekly and off cycle payrolls for multiple companies and states, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
Process employee payroll transactions including new hires, terminations, promotions, transfers, compensation changes, leave of absence updates, retro pay, relocation and other employee status changes.
Review, audit, and reconcile payroll data to identify and resolve discrepancies prior to payroll transmission.
Ensure the accurate calculation and processing of wages, bonuses, commissions, benefit deductions, garnishments, tax withholdings, and other payroll adjustments.
Process manual checks, stop payments, and FSDD return related tasks.
Maintain employee payroll records within ADP Workforce Now and other applicable systems, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.
Compliance & Tax Administration

Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and payroll reporting requirements.
Support year-end payroll activities, including W-2 processing, reconciliation, and regulatory reporting.
Auditing & Reporting

Perform recurring audits of employee records, payroll transactions, and system integrations to ensure data accuracy across payroll, HRIS, and related platforms.
Monitor and audit employee timekeeping data, partnering with managers to identify, communicate, and resolve timecard exceptions prior to payroll processing. Provide regular compliance and accuracy reminders to support timely corrections and minimize payroll errors.
Prepare payroll-related reports, analytics, reconciliations, and labor burden reports for Accounting, Finance, and business leadership.
Process Improvement & Leadership Support

Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, efficiencies, and system utilization.
Provide guidance and training on payroll processes and best practices as needed.
Serve as backup to the Payroll Team and support special projects, implementations, and organizational initiatives.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Core Competencies

Payroll Administration Expertise
Regulatory Compliance
Attention to Detail
Analytical Thinking
Problem Solving
Accountability
Communication Skills
Customer Service Orientation
Confidentiality and Integrity
Organization and Time Management
Collaboration and Partnership
Process Improvement Mindset
Sense of Urgency and Responsiveness
Qualifications

Required

Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive payroll administration experience, including multi-state payroll processing.
Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations and wage and hour laws.
Experience processing payroll through ADP Workforce Now is highly desirable
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including reporting, data analysis, and reconciliation functions.
Strong payroll foundation and technical expertise enabling the ability to quickly become productive, exercise sound judgment, and manage payroll operations with limited oversight.
Experience managing garnishments, tax notices, audits, and year-end payroll activities.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
Preferred

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
Experience with Workday or other Human Capital Management (HCM) systems.
Experience processing payroll in California and other complex tax jurisdictions.
Prior experience supporting payroll system implementations or process improvement initiatives.
FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

This position is classified as non-exempt under applicable wage and hour laws and is eligible for overtime compensation in accordance with company policy and legal requirements.

Essential Functions

Successful job applicants will be able to perform these functions. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Report to Division/Corporate Office/Community daily and adhere to schedule
Ability to oversee direct reports daily and provide guidance as needed
Ability to access, input, and retrieve information from a computer and/or electronic device
Ability to have face to face conversations with customers, co-workers and higher level manager
Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time and move around work environment as needed
Ability to operate a motor vehicle
Comply with company policies and procedure