Senior Specialist, Payroll Tax (Hybrid)

Westat is a leader in research, data collection and analysis, technical assistance, evaluation, and communications. Our evidence-based findings help clients in government and the private sector accelerate advancements in health, education, transportation, and social and economic policy. Our dedication to improving lives through research and our approach to projects grounded in investigative curiosity, statistical and data rigor, adaptive methods, and advanced technology are why clients find exceptional value in our work.

About the role

We are seeking a Payroll Tax Specialist with an excellent technical grasp who can drive department controls with a focus on customer support. This role serves as a key liaison between employees, Human Resources, Accounting, and external payroll providers to resolve payroll tax issues, manage tax compliance, and support payroll help desk processes. This position is responsible for federal, state, and local tax applications and reconciliations. The ideal candidate possesses strong payroll tax expertise, analytical skills, customer service capabilities, and experience working within outsourced payroll environments. This position has a hybrid work arrangement working from our Bethesda, Maryland office 2 days per week.

Responsibilities

• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes impacting payroll tax compliance
• Partner with payroll vendors to ensure tax updates are implemented accurately and timely
• Support audit requests, payroll tax discrepancies, notices, penalties, and agency inquiries
• Generate, review, reconcile payroll tax reports, including quarter end and year end activities
• Assist in preparing all necessary tax applications/filings as required
• Proactively collaborate with HR team
• Maintain employee confidence and protect payroll operations
• Provide payroll support/customer service to employees through ticketing system, phone, and email

Requirements

• Typically requires a Bachelor's Degree in a business or finance discipline (preferred)
• 3+ years of payroll tax experience, preferably in a multi-state environment
• Understanding of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations

Qualifications

• Strong experience with third party payroll systems like Dayforce/Ceridian
• Experience using help desk or ticket management systems such as ServiceNow

Benefits

Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Vacation Leave (15 days per year)
• Sick Leave (9 days per year)
• Holiday Leave (7 government holidays and 2 floating holidays)
• Professional Development
• Health Advocate
• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account

Pay

The anticipated pay range for this role is $70,000–$82,000.

Schedule

This position has a hybrid work arrangement working from our Bethesda, Maryland office 2 days per week.