Payroll Specialist

About the role

The Payroll Specialist at POET is responsible for bi-weekly payroll processing, time tracking administration, and payroll tax compliance and reporting. They serve as a trusted resource for delivering exceptional customer service and accuracy in all payroll processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of multi-state payroll processing on a bi-weekly schedule.
• Review and verify payroll tax data each payroll cycle to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Handle timesheet revisions and time-related inquiries.
• Process personal address or office location changes and update employee tax elections to ensure accurate employee and employer tax withholding.
• Process child support orders and wage garnishments accurately and in a timely manner.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll-related inquiries from POET team members and leaders and other internal Payroll stakeholders.
• Apply in-depth knowledge of company policies to ensure payroll processing is fully compliant with all applicable regulations.
• Ensure accurate, organized, and compliant payroll records and processes in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements.
• Collaborate with the Corporate Tax team on payroll-related processes, filings, reporting, and audit inquiries.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes, ensuring timely integration into the HRIS and payroll systems.
• Set up new state and local tax configurations within the HRIS as needed.
• Update and maintain annual unemployment tax rates in the HRIS.
• Research functionality within the system, document issues, and test potential resolutions in coordination with the People & Culture Operations/Systems team.
• Drive the development of best practices and Standard Operating Procedures for internal Payroll processes as well as timesheet and other resources for team members and leaders.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Finance, Business, or Human Resources Management. Associate’s degree will be considered with applicable experience.
• Experience: POET will assess the candidate’s experience and skillset when determining a final title. Team members will have promotional opportunities as their experience and performance develops.
• Payroll Coordinator: No experience required. Payroll Specialist: 2 or more years of payroll experience. Experience with Workday or a similar HRIS is preferred.
• Senior Payroll Specialist: Minimum of 5 years of payroll experience. Workday experience is required. Must demonstrate a strong understanding of payroll concepts, practices, processing procedures, and applicable federal and state tax laws. Proven ability to manage deadline-driven tasks with accuracy and efficiency is essential.
• Certifications (Preferred): Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), Professional in Human Resources (PHR), or SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
• Additional Skills: Understanding compensation structures and benefits administration is a plus.