Payroll Specialist

Phaxis; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Phaxis is seeking a Payroll Specialist in New York to support bi-weekly payroll across multiple states. You will partner with the Payroll Manager to ensure accuracy, compliance, and confidentiality within Workday and ADP environments.

You will handle end-to-end processing, tax filings, and SOX controls while collaborating with Finance and HR on year-end tasks. Strong attention to detail and multi-tasking are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, business, finance or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 2–5 years of multi-state payroll experience.
• Experience with Workday Payroll and ADP Smart Compliance.
• Strong attention to detail and data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Process end-to-end bi-weekly payroll for exempt and non-exempt employees.
• Maintain timecards and reconcile Workday with ADP Smart Compliance.
• Handle tax compliance and W-2 processing with state/local considerations.
• Support payroll reporting, SOX controls, and year-end tasks.
• Collaborate with Finance, HR, and Benefits teams on payroll-related matters.

Skills

Multi-state payroll

Workday Payroll

Attention to detail

Data interpretation

Deadline-driven

Customer service orientation

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business/Finance

Tools

Workday

ADP Smart Compliance

HRIS

Job description

What you'll do:
The Payroll Specialist supports accurate, timely processing of bi-weekly payroll for team members across multiple U.S. states. This role partners closely with the Payroll Manager to maintain payroll accuracy, compliance, and confidentiality, while contributing to broader HR operations within the Workday HRIS platform.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Processing

• Support end-to-end bi-weekly payroll processing for exempt and non-exempt team members using Workday and ADP Smart Compliance.
• Assist with post-processing reconciliation between Workday and ADP Smart Compliance.
• Maintain and audit timecards for assigned employee population.
• Process leave-of-absence pay in coordination with the Benefits team.
• Process final pay and severance for terminated team members per state-specific regulations.
• Support payroll accounting, reconciliations, and reporting in collaboration with Finance.
• Assist with year-end and year-begin tasks (benefit testing, calendar setup, PTO accruals).

Workday Transactions & Case Management

• Process Workday transactions including salary changes, bonuses, transfers, manager updates, and business title changes.
• Monitor and respond to internal and external payroll inquiries across multiple channels.

Tax Compliance

• Support quarterly and annual payroll tax filings.
• Verify accurate tax elections and state/local setup for new hires and address/work-location changes.
• Assist with tax jurisdiction setup, amendments, and resolution of tax notices.
• Support accurate W-2 processing.

Cross-Functional Support

• Provide support across PXT functions including onboarding, benefits, compensation, and audits.
• Help maintain documentation for payroll SOX controls and audit readiness.
• Identify and flag process improvement opportunities.

What do you need?

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 2–5 years of multi-state payroll experience.
• Workday Payroll experience required.
• Strong attention to detail with ability to interpret data and identify discrepancies.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong internal customer service orientation and discretion with confidential data.
• Workday HRIS/Payroll experience required.
• CPP, FPC, or other payroll certification preferred.