Payroll Operations Lead for Multi-State Compliance

Cedarhurst-Senior-Living; Clayton (MO); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Dover Companies is seeking a Sr. Payroll Specialist to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing for employees across multiple entities and states. The role serves as primary backup to the Payroll Manager and stands ready to assume full payroll operations if needed.

You will handle confidential compensation data, lead projects to improve processes, and collaborate with HR, Finance, and external vendors to strengthen controls and compliance.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of progressive payroll experience, including multi-state payroll.
• Experience with Paylocity is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading payroll projects or initiatives.
• In-depth knowledge of payroll practices, employment tax laws, and wage and hour requirements.
• Knowledge of multi-state payroll; Missouri required; Illinois preferred.
• Experience with Paylocity or a comparable payroll/HCM system.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency in Microsoft Suite.
• FPC preferred; CPP strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Strong organization and attention to detail; able to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience in senior living, construction, home health, hospice, and/or pharmacy is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Process end-to-end bi-weekly payroll for exempt and non-exempt employees across entities and states.
• Serve as primary backup to the Payroll Manager and assume full payroll operations as needed.
• Audit and reconcile payroll prior to transmission, including timesheets, PTO, overtime, and adjustments.
• Lead payroll projects and initiatives from planning through implementation.
• Handle highly sensitive data with discretion and integrity.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and tax requirements.
• Support payroll tax reporting, filings, and respond to notices with HR and Payroll team.
• Process wage attachments and maintain accurate deduction records.
• Conduct audits of set-ups, deductions, and G/L mapping for data integrity.
• Prepare payroll-related GL entries and payables in partnership with Finance.
• Analyze timesheet and PTO timeliness and recommend corrective actions.
• Resolve complex payroll discrepancies and respond to employee inquiries.
• Coordinate with external vendors and review payroll invoices for accuracy.
• Support 401(k) integration and remittance with plan administrator.

Education

Associate’s degree

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or related field

Tools

Paylocity

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The Dover Companies is seeking a Sr. Payroll Specialist to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing for employees across multiple entities and states. The role serves as primary backup to the Payroll Manager and stands ready to assume full payroll operations if needed.

You will handle confidential compensation data, lead projects to improve processes, and collaborate with HR, Finance, and external vendors to strengthen controls and compliance.