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Job Description
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Payroll Tax and Accounting Specialist to join our dynamic Human Resources team. This role is responsible for overseeing and ensuring the smooth execution of US payroll, accounting, tax compliance, and financial reporting processes for payrolls in the United States and internationally. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in payroll taxes, accounting, and process optimization, alongside a passion for accuracy and timely payroll operations.
In this role, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including HR, Accounting, Treasury, Finance, and Tax, to ensure comprehensive payroll reporting and reconciliation. Additionally, you will contribute to key projects aimed at improving payroll processes, leveraging technology for automation, and ensuring compliance with both internal controls and external regulations.
Key Responsibilities:
- End to End Payroll Processing: Responsible for processing payroll in Workday for the US employees and reporting.
- Payroll Accounting & Reconciliation: Oversee payroll reconciliation processes, including biweekly and monthly account analyses. Troubleshoot and resolve discrepancies in payroll reports, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Payroll Tax & Compliance: Ensure accurate payroll tax filings, including federal, state, and local taxes. Stay updated on tax regulations to ensure compliance and accurate withholding, filing, and reporting.
- Reporting & Documentation: Prepare and review payroll-related financial statements, reports, and supporting documentation. Coordinate with internal and external auditors to provide necessary data and resolve any audit queries related to payroll accounting.
- Cross-Department Collaboration: Partner with HR, Accounting, Treasury, Finance, Tax, and other teams to ensure alignment on payroll-related financial reporting and processes. Effectively communicate the impact of payroll transactions on company-wide financial forecasts.
- Payroll Process Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives for payroll processing and tax accounting. Participate in the automation of payroll systems and process redesign to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
- Expatriate & Contractor Payroll: Oversee expatriate and contractor payroll, including tax calculations, equity compensation, and benefits reporting. Ensure compliance with both domestic and international payroll laws and regulations.
- Support & Compliance: Maintain organized records and support documentation in line with internal audit and regulatory standards. Adhere to financial controls and policies, ensuring the integrity of payroll accounting.
- Project & Technology Implementation: Support payroll transformation projects, such as the implementation of new payroll technologies or global payroll systems, to enhance scalability and efficiency.
- Ad-hoc Projects & Special Requests: Assist with additional ad-hoc projects
Qualifications:
- 7+ years of experience in Payroll, Accounting, or related fields, with a strong focus on payroll tax
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field.
- Expertise in payroll tax regulations and financial reporting, including multi-state, union, and non-union payrolls, garnishments, and benefit deductions.
- Experience with payroll tax filings, tax reconciliation, and year-end reporting.
- Strong understanding of payroll software, with hands-on experience in tools like Workday HCM, ADP GlobalView, SAP, or similar payroll platforms.
- Exceptional proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, macros, etc.) and other financial reporting tools.
- Detail-oriented, with the ability to analyze large sets of payroll data to identify issues and implement solutions.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment in complex payroll situations.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial data with discretion.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with both internal teams and third-party vendors.
- Proven track record in improving payroll processes through automation and best practices.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in leading or supporting large-scale payroll transformation or technology implementation projects.
- Advanced certifications in payroll (e.g., Certified Payroll Professional) is a plus.
Location:
- This position is hybrid in Charlotte, NC (on-site 3 days per week), and may require occasional travel or remote collaboration with global teams.
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Benefits of Joining Albemarle
We are partners to one another in pioneering new ways to be better for ourselves, our teams, and our communities. When you join Albemarle, you become our most essential element and you can anticipate competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and resources that foster your well-being and fuel your personal growth. Help us shape the future, build with purpose and grow together.