Senior Payroll Specialist (UKG or UltiPro experience required)

Senior Payroll Specialist (UKG or UltiPro experience required) Department: Finance Reports To: Payroll Manager or Payroll Director Schedule: Hybrid - 3 days in office The Senior Payroll Analyst is a subject matter expert responsible for end-to-end payroll operations, timekeeping administration, payroll tax compliance, and deduction processing. This role ensures accurate, timely, and compliant payroll execution across multiple entities and states. The Senior Payroll Analyst serves as a key escalation point, partners closely with Payroll Leadership, and supports process improvements, system enhancements, and special projects. This position will be in office 3 days a week with 2 work from home days. The salary range is $65k to $100k, commensurate with experience. Key ResponsibilitiesPayroll Processing & AdministrationIndependently process multi-state, multi-company payrolls for exempt and non-exempt employees Audit time and attendance data; provide guidance and support to timekeepers and managers Calculate and validate complex payroll adjustments, retroactive pay, and corrections Ensure accurate processing and reconciliation of benefits, garnishments, child support, and other deductions Compliance & ReportingSupport payroll journal entries, tax payments, and general ledger reconciliations Assist with quarterly and year-end reporting, including W-2 preparation and reconciliation Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and tax regulations Respond to wage verifications, garnishment orders, and confidential payroll inquiries Escalation & Issue ResolutionServe as the first escalation point for complex payroll issues and discrepancies Investigate and resolve pay, tax, and system-related issues Provide guidance and technical expertise to Payroll Specialists and timekeepers Reporting & AnalyticsPrepare standard and ad hoc payroll reports for Finance, HR, and external stakeholders Perform payroll account reconciliations and variance analysis Identify trends and opportunities to improve payroll accuracy and efficiency Process Improvement & CollaborationParticipate in payroll and timekeeping system enhancements and testing (e.g., UKG Pro, Kronos) Contribute to documentation, training materials, and process improvements Support Payroll Leadership with special projects and cross-functional initiatives Qualifications RequiredHigh School Diploma 5+ years of progressive payroll experience in a high-volume, multi-state environment Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, taxation, and wage & hour laws Proven analytical and reconciliation skills Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines PreferredAssociates or Bachelors degree in Accounting, Business, or related field Experience with UKG Pro, Kronos, or similar HRIS/timekeeping systems