Payroll Specialist

Sage; Thousand Oaks (CA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid or remote work options

Job summary

Sage Publishing is seeking a Payroll Specialist to support bi-weekly, multi-state U.S. and Canadian payroll, including bonuses and supplemental payments. You will collaborate with the Payroll Supervisor and cross-functional partners to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.

The role involves audits, garnishments, and process improvements, with hybrid or remote work options. 1-2+ years of experience, strong Excel skills, and Paylocity experience a plus help drive timely payroll processing and

Qualifications

• 1-2+ years of experience processing payroll, multi-state preferred.
• Basic understanding of payroll processes, taxes, and deductions.
• Collaboration with accounting to align payroll data with financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Process U.S. and Canadian payroll accurately and on schedule, with bonuses and supplements.
• Review changes to W-4s, Direct Deposit, 401(k) deductions, leaves, and advances.
• Prepare payroll-related wire transfers for review and approval.
• Administer wage garnishments and tax levies per orders.
• Support audits and cross-functional payroll compliance initiatives.
• Provide ad hoc support to Finance and HR leadership as needed.

Skills

Payroll processing

Multi-state payroll

Excel

Communication skills

Tools

Paylocity

Job description

The Payroll Specialist supports the accurate and timely processing of bi-weekly, multi-state U.S. and Canadian payroll, including supplemental payments and payroll funding activities. This role works closely with the Payroll Supervisor and cross-functional partners to ensure payroll accuracy and compliance with applicable regulations. The Payroll Specialist also supports audit activities, administers garnishments, and contributes to ongoing process improvements to enhance efficiency and service quality.

Your New Role:

• In coordination with the Payroll Supervisor, process U.S. and Canadian payroll accurately and on schedule
• Process special payroll runs, including bonuses, auto allowances, commissions, and other supplemental compensation
• Review employee-initiated changes, including (but not limited to) W-4 tax withholdings, direct deposit updates, 401(k) deductions and loan reviews, leaves of absence, and payroll advances
• Prepare payroll-related wire transfers for review and approval
• Execute bi-weekly fund transfers for flexible spending account (FSA) payroll contributions
• Administer wage garnishments and tax levies in accordance with applicable orders and regulations
• Collaborate with Tax & Compliance to support adherence to all federal, state, local, and Canadian payroll regulations
• Assist with year-end and interim audits, including 401(k) and workers' compensation audits, by providing accurate data, supporting documentation, and effective cross-functional coordination
• Maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders to ensure service levels are met and issues are effectively managed
• Identify and support process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy
• Deliver ad hoc support to global Finance and Human Resources leadership as needed

Can you be our new Payroll Specialist?

• 1-2+ years of experience processing payroll (multi-state experience preferred)
• Basic understanding of payroll processes, including taxes and deductions
• Basic understanding of accounting principles, with the ability to collaborate effectively with the accounting team to ensure payroll data aligns with financial reporting and compliance standards
• Paylocity experience a plus
• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel

Pay Transparency & Benefits Package:

Sage Publishing is committed to being an inclusive employer where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect. Sage is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.

Compensation at Sage is influenced by several factors, including but not limited to skill set, nature and level of experience, qualifications, and other relevant considerations. Please note that the compensation details listed in U.S. role postings reflect the base salary only and do not include bonuses or benefits. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range and additional aspects of the compensation/benefits package for this position during the hiring process. If your desired salary falls outside of this range, we hope you'll still apply as there may be other positions that better align.

In addition to compensation, Sage offers a highly competitive and comprehensive PPO medical, dental, and vision care benefits package with SAGE covering most of the premium costs. Unique program benefits that support a healthy life, a company-sponsored anniversary trip every 5 years, a 401(k)-matching program of 100% up to 5% of pay, and other significant meaningful benefits. In alignment with our value for education, Sage offers financial support for bachelor's and graduate-level degree programs as well as learning for personal interest.

Sage offers freedom and autonomy in your day-to-day with hybrid or remote work, depending on the role. Join the nearly 2,000 Sage employees worldwide who deliver products and services that serve to fulfill our noble goal of education and dissemination of knowledge globally. We'd love to meet you!

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Sage Publishing is committed to being an inclusive employer where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and partnership status, pregnancy and parental responsibilities, race, religion and belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We believe that diversity is a cornerstone of a vibrant culture. We want Sage to be an organization where the most talented staff and high-potential staff are recruited, have the opportunity to grow, and want to work. We strive to achieve a better representation of diverse talent at all levels, including leadership, across our workforce.