Sr. Payroll Specialist

The Senior Payroll Specialist is responsible for end-to-end payroll processing for a large, multi-state manufacturing workforce of approximately 5,000 employees. This role ensures accurate and timely payroll execution while maintaining strict compliance with federal, state, and local wage and tax regulations. The Senior Payroll Specialist serves as a subject matter expert in payroll operations, resolves complex payroll issues, and drives process improvements to enhance efficiency and internal customer satisfaction.

What You Will Do:

• Process end-to-end, multi-state payroll for approximately 5,000 employees on a weekly/biweekly basis
• Review and validate payroll data including hours worked, overtime, shift differentials, bonuses, commissions, and special pay adjustments
• Reconcile payroll prior to transmission and validate payroll reports for accuracy
• Manage off-cycle payrolls, final pay calculations, and retroactive adjustments
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, including FLSA requirements
• Maintain accurate tax setup and withholding compliance across multiple states
• Support payroll-related audits (internal, external, and SOX if applicable)
• Monitor regulatory changes and implement required payroll updates
• Maintain accurate payroll records in accordance with company policy and legal requirements
• Serve as subject matter expert for payroll system functionality
• Partner with HR and Finance to ensure accurate employee data integration
• Generate payroll reports, tax filings, and reconciliations
• Support year-end processing including W-2 preparation and reconciliation
• Research and resolve complex payroll discrepancies
• Respond to escalated employee payroll inquiries
• Partner with HR, Benefits, and Finance to resolve cross-functional issues
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll accuracy, efficiency, and controls
• Document and maintain payroll procedures
• Provide guidance and training to payroll team members
• Support payroll system upgrades, testing, and implementations
• Special projects and other duties as assigned.

What You Will Need:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred
• 5–8+ years of progressive payroll experience, including high-volume, multi-state payroll processing
• Experience supporting a large workforce (5,000+ employees preferred)
• Manufacturing or union payroll experience highly preferred
• Advanced knowledge of U.S. federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations
• Experience with enterprise-level payroll systems (e.g., UKG, Workday, ADP, SAP)
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data reconciliation)
• Experience with payroll reporting and reconciliations
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) designation preferred

What Will Make You Stand Out:

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion
• Strong organizational skills and ability to meet strict deadlines
• Effective communication skills with ability to support employees at all levels

Our highly competitive compensation package and outstanding benefits include: 

• Benefits starting Day 1
• Competitive starting pay
• On-the-job training
• A culture that strongly believes in promoting from within
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision 
• 401k with company matching & retirement contribution
• Employee Stock Purchase plan
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Paid vacations and holidays
• Employee Assistance Program

Invitation to Apply: 

If you are ready to build your career in a company that thrives on growth, a safe work environment, rewarding work, challenge, and opportunity, come build your career with us at West Fraser: www.westfraser.com/careers 

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please apply through our online application process. Be sure to attach your resume to your online profile as resumes will not be accepted at the site. No phone inquiries, please. 

About Us:

West Fraser offers exciting career paths in trades, operations, professional services, engineering and forestry across more than 50 locations in Canada, the U.S