Payroll Tax Specialist - Seattle, WA

Carrix, Inc./SSA Marine, Inc.; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 80,231,000 - 108,886,000; Full time

Job summary

SSA Marine, Inc. is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Tax Specialist to join our accounting team in Seattle. This role handles accurate, timely, and compliant processing of multistate payroll taxes and related GAAP reporting.

You will prepare filings (941/940 and state/local), manage tax payments, reconcile accounts, handle notices, and support audits while maintaining tax configurations. A bachelor's in accounting and 2+ years in payroll tax are required; hybrid schedule.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• 2+ years of payroll tax, payroll accounting, or related experience.
• Experience supporting multi-state payroll tax filings in a large or complex organization.
• Working knowledge of federal and state payroll tax regulations and filings, including Forms 941, 940, SUTA, FUTA, SUI.
• Intermediate Excel skills (pivot tables, XLOOKUP, V- and HLOOKUP).
• Experience with enterprise payroll or HCM systems (e.g., ADP, Workday, or similar platforms).

Responsibilities

• Prepare and file payroll tax returns across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring accuracy of taxable wages and liabilities.
• Process payroll tax payments on time and align filings with GL balances and funding activity.
• Perform payroll tax account reconciliations and resolve variances.
• Ensure proper payroll tax treatment of earnings and employer-provided benefits.
• Respond to tax notices and support audits with documentation.
• Maintain and audit payroll tax configurations in systems.
• Review payroll data to identify discrepancies and take corrective action.
• Process inbound payroll-related correspondence and route items as appropriate.
• Support quarterly and year-end reporting including W-2 validation.
• Follow SOPs and internal controls while identifying process improvements.
• Partner with HR, Payroll, and Finance on payroll tax rules.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Payroll tax knowledge

Excel skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Hybrid schedule

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field

Tools

ADP

Workday

Job description

SSA Marine is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Tax Specialist to join our accounting team. This role is responsible for the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of multistate payroll taxes and related financial reporting in accordance with GAAP.

We are a people-first organization committed to supporting our employees, customers, and communities, and we're looking for someone with payroll tax expertise, analytical skills, and a continuous improvement mindset.

• Prepare and file payroll tax returns, including Forms 941, 940, and applicable state and local filings across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring accuracy of taxable wages, withholdings, and employer tax liabilities
• Process payroll tax payments accurately and on time and ensure alignment between filed returns, general ledger balances, and funding activity
• Perform payroll tax account reconciliations by tying payroll system outputs to tax filings and the general ledger and identifying and resolving variances related to timing differences, benefit taxation, amendments, or system configuration issues
• Ensure proper payroll tax treatment of earnings and employer-provided benefits, including IRC Sections 125 and 132, imputed income, and other taxable fringe benefits
• Respond to federal, state, and local tax notices by researching issues, preparing responses, and coordinating resolution, and support audits by gathering and providing accurate documentation
• Maintain and audit payroll tax configurations within systems, including tax rates, jurisdiction assignments, and employee tax setup to ensure ongoing compliance
• Review and validate payroll data to identify discrepancies related to taxation, coding, or system outputs and take appropriate corrective action
• Process inbound payroll-related correspondence, including agency notices and scanned mail, and route or act on items as appropriate
• Support quarterly and year-end reporting, including W-2 validation and reconciliation to quarterly and annual filings
• Follow established SOPs and internal controls while identifying opportunities to improve processes and reduce risk
• Partner with HR, Payroll, and Finance to ensure accurate and consistent application of payroll tax rules
• Perform additional duties as assigned

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or related field
• 2+ years of payroll tax, payroll accounting, or related experience
• Experience supporting multi-state payroll tax filings in a large or complex organization
• Working knowledge of federal and state payroll tax regulations and filings, including Forms 941, 940, SUTA, FUTA, SUI
• Understanding of payroll tax treatment for employer-paid benefits, including IRC Sections 125 and 132 and imputed income
• Intermediate Excel skills (pivot tables, XLOOKUP, V- and HLOOKUP)
• Experience with enterprise payroll or HCM systems (e.g., ADP, Workday, or similar platforms)
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines
• High level of professionalism and ability to handle confidential information
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills across all levels of the organization
• Ability to work a hybrid schedule (3 days per week in office)
• Nice-to-have: Experience with Dayforce (Ceridian)

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

Work environment:

• Required job duties are normally performed in a climate-controlled office environment.
• Exposure to computer screens.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate

Pay Range: $28.00 - 38.00 per hour

The posted compensation range is based on the applicable geographic market for the position and may vary depending on factors such as related experience and skill set. Final compensation will be determined based on these items and other relevant factors.

SSA Marine is an Equal Opportunity Employer