Senior Payroll Specialist

About Us:

How many companies can say they’ve been in business for over 177 years?!

Here at ZEISS, we certainly can! As the pioneers of science, ZEISS handles the everchanging environments in a fast-paced world, meeting it with cutting edge of technologies and continuous advancements. ZEISS believes that innovation and technology are the key to a sustainable future and solutions for global change. We have a diverse range of portfolios throughout the ZEISS family in segments like, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, Consumer Markets and Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology. We are a global company with over 42,000 employees and have over 4,000 in the US and Canada alone! Make a difference, come join the team!

What’s the role?  

Position Summary:

The Senior Payroll Specialist is a key member of the payroll team, responsible for managing and executing complex payroll processes with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency. This role involves overseeing payroll operations, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and serving as a subject matter expert for payroll-related matters. Contributes to process improvements to enhance the payroll function.

Sound Interesting?

Here’s what you’ll do:

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Payroll Processing & Oversight

• Manage and process multi-state or international payrolls for salaried, hourly, and contingent employees, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Review and approve payroll calculations, including wages, overtime, bonuses, commissions, and deductions.
• Handle complex payroll scenarios, such as garnishments, tax adjustments, retroactive pay, and compliance with union agreements (if applicable).
• Ensure payroll is processed in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies.

Compliance & Reporting

• Stay current on federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, labor laws, and compliance requirements.
• Prepare and file payroll tax returns, including quarterly and annual filings (e.g., W-2s, 1099s).
• Generate and analyze payroll reports for management, audits, and financial planning.
• Collaborate with internal and external auditors to ensure payroll compliance during audits.

Employee Support

• Act as the primary point of contact for escalated payroll inquiries and resolve complex employee issues related to pay, taxes, and deductions.
• Provide guidance to employees on payroll policies, tax forms, and direct deposit setups.

Process Improvement & Leadership

• Identify inefficiencies in payroll processes and recommend or implement improvements to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
• Assist in the implementation or upgrade of payroll systems and software.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and IT teams to ensure seamless integration of payroll data and processes.

Do you qualify?

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in payroll processing, with at least 2 years in a senior or lead role.
• Experience with multi-state or international payroll is highly desirable.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation is strongly preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of payroll systems (e.g., ADP, Workday, Paychex, or similar) and timekeeping systems.
• Advanced understanding of payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced functions (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUP).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with employees, management, and external vendors.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Work Environment

• Office-based role with potential for hybrid or remote work, depending on company policy.
• May require occasional overtime during peak payroll periods, year-end