Payroll Specialist

Upwork ($UPWK) is the world’s work marketplace. We serve everyone from one-person startups to large, Fortune 100 enterprises with a powerful, trust-driven platform that enables companies and talent to work together in new ways that unlock their potential.

Last year, more than $3.8 billion of work was done through Upwork by skilled professionals who are gaining more control by finding work they are passionate about and innovating their careers.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Payroll Specialist with 2-5 years of hands-on Workday payroll processing experience. The ideal candidate will have comprehensive end-to-end payroll process knowledge, proficiency in payroll audits, and a deep understanding of payroll taxes and other complex tax situations. The candidate must also possess strong skills in Microsoft Excel.

Responsibilities

• Workday Payroll Processing - End-to-End Payroll Management:
  
  
• Prepare and process semi-monthly full cycle US exempt and non-exempt payroll.
  
  
• Handle imputed income, garnishments, benefits, taxes, and off-cycle requests.
  
  
• Ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations.
  
  
• Handle the entire payroll process, including data entry, payroll calculation, validation, distribution, and reporting.
  
  
• Workday Timekeeping and Data Monitoring:
  
  
• Administer the electronic timekeeping system.
  
  
• Monitor the submission of approved timesheets, ensure data validity, and ensure adherence to FLSA content to/from payroll service.
  
  
• Payroll Audits: Verify the accuracy of payroll elements including base pay, bonuses, equity, commissions, payroll taxes, and various deductions.
  
  
• Tax Compliance: Ensure accurate calculation and reporting of payroll taxes, including federal, state, and local taxes. Handle complex tax situations and resolve tax issues as they arise.
  
  
• Tax and Benefit Administration:
  
  
• Establish and maintain accurate tax jurisdictions within payroll systems.
  
  
• Regularly review and reconcile payroll tax filings and deposits, coordinating with ADP to resolve discrepancies and ensure compliance.
  
  
• Ensure accurate and timely 401(k) funding and reporting, assist with annual 401(k) audits, and ensure compliance with ERISA and IRS regulations.
  
  
• Reporting: Generate payroll reports for management, finance, and HR departments. Provide analysis and insights on payroll data.
  
  
• Employee Support: Address and resolve payroll-related inquiries from employees. Provide guidance on payroll policies and procedures.
  
  
• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvements within the payroll function and implement solutions to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
  
  
• Compliance: Stay up-to-date with changes in payroll laws and regulations. Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll laws.
• Collaboration: Work closely with HR, finance, and other departments to ensure seamless payroll processing and data accuracy.

Requirements:

• Experience: Demonstrated experience in payroll processing across multiple states/sites with a strong background in Workday payroll.

• Knowledge: In-depth understanding of end-to-end payroll processes, payroll audits, payroll taxes, and complex tax situations.

• Excel Proficiency: Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, including functions, formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis. 

• Attention to Detail: Exceptional attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy in data handling and processing.

• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret payroll data and identify discrepancies.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to effectively communicate payroll information to employees and management.

• Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality of payroll information and employee data.

• Time Management: Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing regulations and processes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification: Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Funda