Senior Payroll & HR Consultant

Job Description

Process full-cycle payroll (bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly) for all employees accurately and on time.
Manage payroll system setup, maintenance, and updates including new hires, terminations, pay changes, and garnishments.
Reconcile payroll prior to transmission and validate confirmed reports.
Administer and audit payroll-related deductions, including benefits, retirement contributions, and voluntary withholdings.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, county, and city payroll tax requirements; prepare and file payroll tax returns (941, W-2s, etc.).
Respond to payroll-related inquiries from employees and management; research and resolve discrepancies.
Partner with Finance/Accounting on payroll journal entries, general ledger reconciliation, and month-end close activities.
Maintain payroll records and documentation in compliance with applicable recordkeeping laws.
Stay current on payroll legislation, tax law changes, and best practices to ensure ongoing compliance.

Support the full employment lifecycle: scheduling interviews, managing background checks, immigration processes, drafting offer letters, and onboarding new hires.
Build and maintain a complete and compliant offboarding process; conduct exit interviews as needed.
Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures and update as needed (with legal input and review).
Work with management and legal counsel to ensure compliance with federal, state, county, and city employment laws (wage and hour, leaves of absence, mandatory training, etc.).
Ensure that People files, documentation, and communications are current, complete, and compliant with applicable laws.

Manage company benefits programs and ensure compliance; perform discrimination testing, send annual notices, and maintain detailed reconciliation files.
Perform compensation analysis as needed to support equitable pay practices.

Systems & People Programs

Evaluate and implement appropriate HR and payroll technology systems to support the People function.
Facilitate the annual performance review process.
Develop and run appropriate employee engagement and morale-building events.
Keep current regarding competitive People practices.
Complete special projects as needed.

Preferred Experience

• 3 to 5+ years of hands-on, full-cycle payroll processing experience; multi-state payroll experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with payroll platforms such as ADP, Paychex, Paylocity, Gusto, or similar HRIS/payroll systems.
• Experience planning, developing, implementing, and administering People programs in employment, compensation, and benefits.
• 5–8+ years of overall experience in the field of People/HR.

Preferred Education

• BA in Business, Human Resources, Accounting, or related field.
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification) designation a plus.

Preferred Additional Skills

• Strong attention to detail and numerical accuracy.
• High proficiency in Excel and payroll/HRIS platforms.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to demonstrate clear, concise communication and sound judgment.
• Ability to facilitate interactions, manage competing priorities, and resolve conflicts.