Payroll Specialist

Summit Staffing Partners; New York (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Summit Staffing Partners seeks a Payroll Specialist for its New York operations. You will manage multi-state payroll runs, respond to inquiries, and collaborate with internal teams to ensure accurate, timely payroll processing.

The role emphasizes data integrity, regulatory compliance, and process improvements within a fast-paced nonprofit/agency environment. The position requires hands-on experience across weekly to monthly cycles, strong Excel skills, and the ability to handle confidential

Qualifications

• 2-7+ years of hands-on payroll experience across multiple states.
• Experience with weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payroll cycles.
• Familiarity with leading payroll/HRIS platforms (e.g., UKG, ADP Workforce Now).
• Prior involvement in payroll or HR system implementations is a plus.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to data integrity.
• Strong SOP understanding to ensure consistent and accurate payroll processing.
• Proven ability to manage confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, and data analysis tools.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal with an ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Effective time management and multitasking skills.
• Solid understanding of Federal, State, and Local payroll tax regulations.
• Flexibility to work additional hours when needed to meet processing deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily payroll activities including submission of weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payroll runs across multiple employee groups.
• Respond to payroll-related inquiries and resolve issues professionally.
• Collaborate with internal departments to support employee needs.
• Perform root cause analysis for payroll discrepancies and document solutions.
• Research and resolve complex payroll concerns with different departments.
• Assist with quarterly payroll tax reconciliations and year-end reporting (W-2s).
• Maintain accurate payroll records per regulatory guidelines.
• Support rollout of updated processes and tools to improve efficiency and scalability.
• Conduct internal payroll audits and assist in audits with external auditors.
• Contribute to benefits renewals and open enrollment data validations and reconciliations.
• Review and reconcile vendor invoices tied to payroll and benefits.
• Handle reporting needs and participate in special projects.

Skills

Payroll processing

Attention to detail

Data integrity

Communication skills

Time management

Discretion

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Excel skills

Multistate payroll knowledge

Tools

UKG

ADP Workforce Now

Job description

Our client, a major, national non-profit organization, is seeking a Payroll Specialist to join its small, internal team. This position plays a key role in overseeing payroll processing and ensuring full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

Overview

This position is ideal for an experienced payroll professional who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and is passionate about accuracy, compliance, and service excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily payroll activities including the review and submission of weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payroll runs across multiple employee groups.
• Respond to payroll-related inquiries, resolving issues quickly and professionally.
• Collaborate with internal departments to support employee needs.
• Conduct root cause analysis for payroll discrepancies and develop documented solutions to prevent recurrence.
• Partner with different departments to research and resolve complex payroll concerns.
• Assist with quarterly payroll tax reconciliations and year-end reporting, including W-2s and other relevant filings.
• Maintain accurate payroll records in accordance with applicable regulatory guidelines.
• Support the implementation of updated processes and tools related to payroll, with a focus on efficiency and scalability.
• Conduct internal payroll audits and assist in preparing documentation for external auditors when needed.
• Contribute to the benefits renewal and open enrollment process by performing data validations and reconciliations.
• Review and reconcile vendor invoices tied to payroll and benefits.
• Handle various reporting needs and participate in special projects as necessary.

Qualifications

• 2-7+ years of hands-on payroll experience across multiple states.
• Proficiency with weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payroll cycles.
• Familiarity with leading payroll or HRIS platforms (e.g., UKG, ADP Workforce Now or comparable systems).
• Prior involvement in payroll or HR system implementations is a plus.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to data integrity.
• Strong understanding of standard operating procedures to ensure consistent and accurate payroll processing.
• Proven ability to manage confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, and data analysis tools.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal with an ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Effective time management and multitasking skills.
• Solid understanding of Federal, State, and Local payroll tax regulations.
• Flexibility to work additional hours when needed to meet processing deadlines.