Payroll Specialist

CFS; Village of Dobbs Ferry (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

CFS in the New York area is seeking a Payroll Specialist to join its collaborative payroll team. This role handles semi-monthly high-volume payroll, benefits administration, leave management, payroll reporting and compliance, reporting to the Payroll Director.

You will own a designated employee population, ensure timely payroll, respond to inquiries, and support audits. Strong detail orientation and Excel/Data HRIS proficiency are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• Prior payroll experience in a high-volume, multi-state or multi-tax environment.
• Strong understanding of payroll regulations, tax withholding, and payroll compliance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis and reporting functions.
• Experience working with payroll and HRIS systems.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to prioritise multiple tasks and consistently meet payroll deadlines.
• Excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work independently when needed.

Responsibilities

• Process semi-monthly payroll accurately and timely for a designated employee population.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations and company policies.
• Review and maintain payroll data, including earnings, deductions, taxes, and employee updates.
• Assist managers and employees with payroll-related questions, timekeeping issues, and pay inquiries.
• Prepare and distribute payroll reports for management, Finance, HR, and auditors.
• Support benefits administration activities, including taxable benefit tracking and payroll deductions.
• Coordinate and monitor leave programs, including FMLA, Short-Term Disability (STD), New York Paid Family Leave (NYPFL), and ADA-related payroll impacts.
• Review and process job changes, compensation adjustments, and other employee transactions affecting payroll.
• Reconcile payroll data and assist with audits, year-end reporting, and compliance initiatives.
• Partner closely with HR and Finance teams to ensure accurate employee and payroll records.
• Assist with payroll process improvements and special projects as needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication

Problem solving

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

HRIS systems

Job description

Location: Tarrytown, NY

Compensation: $70,000 - $80,000

Position Overview

Our client, a well-established and highly respected organization, is seeking a Payroll Specialist to join its collaborative payroll team. This is an excellent opportunity for a payroll professional looking to expand their expertise within a complex, high-volume environment while gaining exposure to benefits administration, leave management, payroll reporting, and compliance.

Reporting directly to the Payroll Director, this role offers strong visibility, mentorship, and the opportunity to take ownership of a designated employee population. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where accuracy and customer service are equally important.

Why This Opportunity?

• Partner directly with an experienced Payroll Director and gain valuable mentorship.
• Join a stable organization with a strong team-oriented culture.
• Work within a large-scale, high-volume payroll environment that offers ongoing learning and growth.
• Gain exposure to payroll reporting, benefits administration, tax compliance, and leave management.
• Play a visible role supporting employees and leadership across the organization.
• Opportunity to contribute to process improvements and enhanced payroll operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Process semi-monthly payroll accurately and timely for a designated employee population.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations and company policies.
• Review and maintain payroll data, including earnings, deductions, taxes, and employee updates.
• Assist managers and employees with payroll-related questions, timekeeping issues, and pay inquiries.
• Prepare and distribute payroll reports for management, Finance, HR, and auditors.
• Support benefits administration activities, including taxable benefit tracking and payroll deductions.
• Coordinate and monitor leave programs, including FMLA, Short-Term Disability (STD), New York Paid Family Leave (NYPFL), and ADA-related payroll impacts.
• Review and process job changes, compensation adjustments, and other employee transactions affecting payroll.
• Reconcile payroll data and assist with audits, year-end reporting, and compliance initiatives.
• Partner closely with HR and Finance teams to ensure accurate employee and payroll records.
• Assist with payroll process improvements and special projects as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Prior payroll experience in a high-volume, multi-state or multi-tax environment.
• Strong understanding of payroll regulations, tax withholding, and payroll compliance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis and reporting functions.
• Experience working with payroll and HRIS systems.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and consistently meet payroll deadlines.
• Excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work independently when needed.