General Overview:
The Senior Payroll Analyst plays a crucial role in ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll. This position involves a thorough understanding of payroll systems, regulatory requirements, tax regulations, and industry best practices. The ideal candidate will adeptly manage complex payroll tasks, projects, and deadlines. Reporting directly to the Payroll Manager, this role will be based at the Firm's Operations Center in Brandon, FL (Tampa Bay area).
Key Responsibilities:
- Calculate and process complex payroll for multiple pay groups on varying timelines.
- Prepare payroll journal entries for the general ledger and reconcile accounts as needed.
- Generate and respond to requests for payroll reports.
- Investigate and resolve complex payroll issues, including adjustments to taxable, subject, and gross wages, as well as corrections to W-2s.
- Analyze and correct discrepancies in Social Security, Medicare, and additional Medicare reports.
- Conduct biweekly and monthly 401(k) analyses and audits for the Payroll Manager and facilitate fund transfers to 401(k) accounts.
- Ensure the accuracy of payroll data, including salary adjustments, tax withholdings, and deductions.
- Review payroll audit reports, including W-2 error reports, on a regular basis.
- Prepare quarterly tax reconciliations and address any variances.
- Lead the registration process for new local and state tax accounts.
- Review updates on tax compliance and discuss relevant changes with the Payroll Manager.
- Assist in reviewing and resolving federal and state tax statements.
- Provide support to employees regarding tax elections, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
- Handle requests for special tax calculations related to distributions and draws.
- Conduct daily reconciliations for tax settlements.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external payroll-related inquiries.
- Undertake special projects and additional duties as assigned.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Capacity to work effectively under pressure while adhering to strict deadlines.
- Flexibility and composure when faced with late payroll data or changes.
- Proficient in managing a high volume of email communications related to payroll.
- Commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
- Exceptional attention to detail.
- Well-developed communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative.
Qualifications & Education
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
- FPC or CPP Certification preferred.
- 6+ years of progressive payroll experience.
- Strong knowledge of payroll taxes, payroll best practices and federal and state regulations.
- Workday experience required.
- Experience in a law firm or other professional service firm a plus.
- Strong knowledge of MS Excel (IF statements, VLOOKUP, PivotTables, etc.).
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
- Moderate or advanced keyboard usage