Senior Specialist - US Payroll

Job Overview

We are seeking a seasoned Senior Specialist to lead US payroll operations at our Chennai location. The role requires 10 to 20 years of experience, emphasizing US payroll processing, taxation, compliance, year-end duties, and payroll systems proficiency. This position ensures seamless payroll management, compliance adherence, problem resolution, stakeholder coordination, and process enhancements.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage comprehensive payroll cycles (weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, monthly) for US employees.
• Review and validate payroll inputs, including hires, terminations, transfers, promotions, bonuses, stock activities, and benefit deductions.
• Ensure payroll calculations are precise, including earnings, taxes, deductions, and net payment.
• Conduct payroll audits and reconciliations prior to payroll disbursement.
• Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll regulations and monitor legislative changes impacting payroll.
• Lead year-end W-2 processing, verifying accuracy and supporting employees with inquiries.
• Manage year-end wage, tax, deduction, and benefit balancing processes.
• Analyze payroll variances and detect anomalies, ensuring SOX compliance and robust internal controls.
• Facilitate internal and external payroll audits and maintain up-to-date payroll documentation and standard operating procedures.
• Address complex employee payroll queries and escalations within service level agreements.
• Collaborate closely with HR, Finance, Benefits, Compensation, Tax teams, and payroll vendors.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and mentor for junior payroll staff, fostering knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Human Resources, US Payroll, or related discipline.
• Preferred professional certifications like Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP).
• 10 to 20 years of payroll experience with at least 7 years focused on US payroll management.
• Experience managing payroll for large organizations, ideally over 1,000 employees.
• Expert knowledge of multi-state payroll processes, taxation, compliance, and payroll accounting.
• Proficient with payroll software platforms such as SAP Payroll, Workday Payroll, ADP, and Ceridian Dayforce.
• Experience in global payroll settings, payroll governance, controls, audits, and transformational initiatives including automation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills along with high confidentiality and professionalism.
• Ability to manage multiple payroll cycles and meet strict deadlines with a continuous improvement approach.