Payroll Tax Specialist

Everest Search Partners; Ennis (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Everest Search Partners is seeking an experienced Payroll Tax Specialist to ensure accurate payroll tax filings and timely remittances across U.S. jurisdictions and Canada.

The role collaborates with Payroll, Finance, HR, Benefits, and external payroll providers to maintain compliance and strengthen internal controls. The ideal candidate has 5+ years of payroll tax experience, deep knowledge of federal, state, and local requirements, and proficiency in reconciliations to the general ledger.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in payroll tax or payroll compliance in a multi-jurisdiction environment.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. federal, state, and local payroll taxes; Canada experience required.
• Experience reconciling payroll tax activity to the general ledger and supporting year-end reporting.

Responsibilities

• Manage payroll tax compliance across U.S. jurisdictions and Canada.
• Review and reconcile payroll tax filings, deposits, remittances, and GL accounts.
• Research and resolve payroll tax agency notices and variances.
• Support quarter-end and year-end payroll tax reporting (W-2, T4, RL-1).
• Reconcile payroll tax liabilities and payroll system data to accounting records.
• Assist with month-end/year-end close and audit documentation.
• Monitor payroll tax legislation and impact on processes.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to improve processes.
• Participate in payroll audits and system testing.

Skills

Payroll tax compliance

Payroll accounting

Advanced Excel

Analytical skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory research

Education

CPA or CPP certification

Canada payroll knowledge

Tools

ERP platforms

Job description

SUMMARY: Everest client seeks an experienced Payroll Tax Specialist with a primary focus on U.S. federal, state, and local requirements. This individual will play a key role in ensuring accurate and timely payroll tax filings, remittances, reconciliations, and agency notice resolution. The position will work closely with Payroll, Finance, HR, Benefits, and external payroll providers to maintain compliance, strengthen internal controls, and ensure payroll-related balances are accurately reflected in the general ledger.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and support payroll tax compliance across multiple U.S. jurisdictions and Canada.
• Review and reconcile payroll tax filings, deposits, remittances, and related general ledger accounts.
• Research and resolve payroll tax agency notices, account discrepancies, filing issues, and historical variances.
• Support quarter-end and year-end payroll tax activities, including W-2, T4, RL-1, and other required reporting.
• Reconcile payroll tax liabilities, accrued payroll balances, and payroll system data to accounting records.
• Support month-end and year-end close activities and prepare documentation for audits and tax authority reviews.
• Monitor payroll tax legislation and assess the impact of regulatory changes on payroll processes and controls.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and external providers to improve processes, resolve issues, and strengthen compliance.
• Participate in payroll audits, system testing, and process improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in payroll tax, payroll compliance, payroll accounting, or senior-level payroll in a complex, multi-jurisdiction environment.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. federal, state, and local payroll tax requirements.
• Canadian payroll tax experience is required.
• Experience reconciling payroll tax activity and liabilities to the general ledger.
• Experience supporting quarter-end and year-end payroll tax reporting.
• Experience resolving payroll tax notices and working with tax agencies and external payroll providers.
• Advanced Excel and strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively across Payroll, Finance, HR, and other business functions.

Preferred

• Experience with major payroll, tax compliance, and ERP platforms.
• CPA, CPA candidate, CPP, FPC, PCP, PLP, or other relevant certification.
• Experience in a multi-site or multi-entity organization.
• Background in manufacturing, logistics, transportation, or another complex operating environment.
• Experience with union, non-union, or cross-border payroll.