Senior Payroll Lead: Multi-State & Compliance

Cedarhurst Living; Missouri; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Dover Companies is seeking a Sr. Payroll Specialist to ensure accurate, timely payroll across multiple entities and states. The role reports to the Payroll Manager and serves as the primary backup, prepared to assume full payroll operations during absences.

You will handle sensitive compensation data, lead projects, and partner with HR, Finance, and external vendors to strengthen payroll controls and compliance at The Dover Companies in St. Louis, MO.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in accounting/finance or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience across multiple states.
• Experience with Paylocity or similar payroll/HCM systems required.
• Led payroll projects or initiatives (system changes, audits, etc.).
• In-depth knowledge of payroll laws and wage/hour requirements.
• Strong Excel and Microsoft Office proficiency.
• Preferred certifications: FPC or CPP.

Responsibilities

• Process end-to-end bi-weekly payroll for exempt and non-exempt employees across entities and states.
• Act as backup to Payroll Manager and assume full payroll operations when needed.
• Audit timesheets, PTO, overtime, and adjustments prior to transmission.
• Lead payroll projects and system/process improvements from planning to implementation.
• Handle highly confidential compensation and tax data with discretion.
• Ensure compliance with federal/state/local payroll laws and multi-state requirements.
• Support tax reporting, year-end activities, and respond to notices.
• Prepare payroll-related GL entries and reconcile payables with Finance.
• Train and mentor Payroll Specialists; develop procedures and controls.

Skills

Payroll management

Multi-state payroll

Paylocity

Excel

Data confidentiality

Project leadership

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance

FPC certification

CPP certification

Tools

Paylocity

Job description

The Dover Companies is seeking a Sr. Payroll Specialist to ensure accurate, timely payroll across multiple entities and states. The role reports to the Payroll Manager and serves as the primary backup, prepared to assume full payroll operations during absences.

You will handle sensitive compensation data, lead projects, and partner with HR, Finance, and external vendors to strengthen payroll controls and compliance at The Dover Companies in St. Louis, MO.