Client Payroll Senior Specialist

The Client Payroll Senior Specialist independently manages end-to-end payroll delivery for an assigned portfolio of clients within RKL’s Virtual Workforce Strategies consulting practice. This role serves as a primary day-to-day client contact, processes complex payrolls, researches payroll and tax issues, reconciles payroll results, coordinates quarter-end and year-end activities, and helps clients use payroll systems and processes effectively.
The Senior Specialist applies sound judgment to resolve payroll discrepancies, manage competing deadlines, and escalate matters involving material risk, legal interpretation, or changes in scope. The role may also review work completed by Payroll Specialists and provide day-to-day guidance without having formal supervisory responsibility.
Success Factors
Responsibilities
Accurately and timely process payrolls for assigned clients, ensuring all calculations are correct. Review personal work for accuracy and compliance
Assist with the setup and integration of new payroll clients, ensuring a smooth transition and accurate implementation of payroll services
Provide support in responding to and resolving tax notices, ensuring that all issues are addressed promptly and accurately
Ensure accurate and timely processing of payroll updates including new hires, terminations and changes to payrates
Ensure proper processing of payroll deductions for taxes, benefits, and other deductions
Maintain client and employee data
Organize facts, analyze and interpret information according to client circumstances
Provide on-going training and education to clients regarding the online service model and technologies
Resolve complex payroll issues promptly while maintaining a high level of client service
Supervise and mentor junior team members, providing training as needed to ensure the team’s growth and development
Participate in strategic planning regarding payroll operations and suggest improvements to procedures and processes
Provide timely and high-quality service to meet and exceed client expectations and perform research on projects as needed
Research and resolve client inquiries
Review year-end and quarterly payroll tax reporting (941, W-2, W-2c, etc.)
Develop and maintain expert knowledge in payroll regulations at the federal, state and local level
Take initiative to understand and apply available resources and appropriate guidance and policies
Participate in continuous learning activities and active research to improve and develop technical expertise; apply learned concepts
Perform other duties as assigned
People Management/Relationships
Take initiative to be a team player (proactively seek opportunities to help others)
Treat everyone with respect
Develop loyalty and trust with team
Successfully adapt to different personalities and working styles
Proactively and effectively communicate information regarding status issues to team members
Hold self accountable for assigned work; seek continuous feedback to learn and develop in role; open to new ideas and suggestions
Required Skills
Experience managing multiple payrolls, entities, or client accounts with overlapping deadlines
Excellent organization skills and strong attention to detail
Multitasker with the ability to prioritize work accordingly
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong client service focus
Strong analytical and interpersonal skills
Ability to work autonomously under the pressure of tight deadlines and multiple priorities
Excellent attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple projects
Education, Experience and Certifications
Associate degree in accounting, business, human resources, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
Three or more years of payroll-processing experience, including responsibility for full-cycle payroll
Fundamental Payroll Certification or Certified Payroll Professional designation
Must have valid driver's license
Essential Functions
Must be able to remain in a stationary position as needed
The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery etc.
Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer
Ability to communicate in a professional manner and exchange information with internal and external actors as needed
Ability to lift/carry up to 20 pounds
Ability to work outside of normal business hours and weekends as needed
This job description is subject to change at any time and employee will be given additional responsibilities as assigned
Salary Range:
$70,000 - $80,000