Senior Payroll Specialist

Participate Learning

Chapel Hill (NC)

On-site

USD 65,000 - 85,000

Full time

14 days+

Application generator

Stand out for this role — generate a tailored resume and cover letter in about a minute.

Get past ATS filters

Benefits offered by this job

Disability & Life Insurance

Maternity/Paternity Leave

Vacation & Sick Time

Wellness Program

Adoption Assistance

Infant at Work

Dog-friendly Policy

Job summary

Participate Learning, headquartered in Chapel Hill, NC, seeks a Sr. Payroll Specialist to manage payroll operations for U.S. and international staff. You will ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage laws, maintain meticulous records, and support HR on payroll changes and new hires.

Ideal candidates have experience with Tax Navigator, strong attention to detail, and the ability to handle audits and complex payroll scenarios in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

Strong attention to detail in payroll calculations.
Proficiency with MS Excel and payroll software applications.
Understanding of federal, state, and local wage and hour laws.

Responsibilities

Prepare and submit certified payroll reports.
Ensure payroll compliance with all applicable laws.
Maintain records for audits and regulatory requirements.
Process payroll for U.S. and international employees.
Coordinate with HR on hires, terminations, and payroll changes.
Prepare payroll-related reports for audits.

Skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Confidentiality

Communication

Education

Accounting/Finance/Business degree

CPP designation preferred

Tools

MS Excel

Payroll software

Tax Navigator

Job description

Please note that this position is remote; however, only applications from candidates residing in North Carolina will be considered.

Love What You Do and Why You Do It!

Since 1987, Participate Learning has partnered with schools and districts to prepare students for career success through cultural exchange, dual language programs, and global learning. We help students build bilingual fluency, problem solving, and critical thinking skills to apply their learning in real-world settings and any career path.

What You’ll Do:

Sr. Payroll Specialist is responsible for ensuring that all payroll activities align with labor laws, government regulations, and organizational policies. This role is crucial in maintaining accurate and compliant payroll operations with a focus on strict adherence to applicable laws and guidelines. The position oversees payroll processing for international teachers, utilizing Tax Navigator software for tax form preparation and filings for school districts. Additionally, the role involves training and supporting staff to ensure seamless and compliant payroll processes, with a strong emphasis on federal and state wage and hour laws to ensure timely and accurate wage payments while minimizing potential legal or regulatory issues.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities:

Certified Payroll Reporting: Prepare and submit certified payroll reports for all applicable employees and teachers.
Payroll Compliance: Ensure payroll compliance with federal, state, and local wage laws, including prevailing wage legislation.
Record Maintenance: Maintain detailed records and documentation for audits and ensure compliance with Department of Labor (DOL) regulations.
Payroll Processing: Handle payroll processing, including timekeeping, wage calculations, tax withholdings, and benefit deductions for U.S and international employees.
Timely Payroll Runs: Ensure payroll runs are timely and accurate, addressing any discrepancies or adjustments professionally and in compliance with regulations.
HR Coordination: Collaborate with HR for new hires, terminations, and payroll changes.
Reporting for Audits: Prepare and present payroll-related reports for internal and external audits.
Audit Inquiries: Respond to audit inquiries and ensure records are up to date and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Payroll Data Entry: Accurately input and update payroll data in the payroll system.
Tax Compliance: Ensure accurate tax withholding, reporting, and filing in compliance with IRS regulations.
Benefits Coordination: Work with HR to ensure accurate processing and reporting of benefit deductions (health insurance, 401(k), etc.).
Employee Assistance: Address employee inquiries regarding payroll issues, paychecks, deductions, and benefits.
Policy Guidance: Provide guidance on wage and hour policies, overtime rules, and certified payroll processes.
International Teacher Tax Support: Manage international tax statuses and conduct tax orientation for incoming teachers annually.
District Communication: Supply school districts with teacher information, including years of experience, salary, tax treaty status, and non-resident status for tax purposes.
Orientation Sessions: Compile and present all relevant tax information/forms during weekly orientation sessions.
School District Liaison: Serve as the primary contact for school district payroll inquiries.

Experience You Bring:

Technical Skills: Proficiency in MS Excel and familiarity with payroll software systems.
International Payroll: Experience in processing international payroll using Tax Navigator preferred.

Qualifications:

Payroll Systems Proficiency: Skilled in payroll software and systems.
Labor Law Knowledge: Strong understanding of federal and state wage and hour laws, including prevailing wage regulations.
Certified Payroll Reporting: Experienced in preparing and submitting certified payroll reports for government contracts.
Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy, especially in complex payroll calculations.
Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Confidentiality: Commitment to maintaining the confidentiality of employee payroll and personal data.

Key Performance Indicators:

Timeliness: Timely and accurate submission of certified payroll reports and payroll processing.
Compliance: Full adherence to labor laws, prevailing wage laws, and organizational policies.
Accuracy: Error-free payroll processing and reporting.
Audit Readiness: Preparedness for internal and external payroll audits, ensuring compliance.

Education and Experience:

Education: Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field preferred.
Certification: Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred.

About You:

Passionate about learning and welcoming people from all over the world, learning about their culture, and sharing your own culture and experiences.
Passion for global perspectives - languages, cultures, travel, etc. We value a deep interest in exploring the diverse facets of our interconnected world.
We are looking for impact makers who believe in business as a force for good.
Eager to make a difference for today and tomorrow
Flexible with your time and energy and willing to expand beyond the day-to-day expectations of your work. (And the company reciprocates with flexibility!)
Cameras on during Zoom meetings - we want to see your smile.
Believe global education is for everyone!

What You’ll Love About Us:

Participate Learning is headquartered in Chapel Hill, NC. We partner with K-12 schools and districts to provide cultural exchange teachers, global education, and language immersion programs in Spanish and Mandarin. One of the essential measures of the success of our business is the positive impact we make on our employees. Our work inspires everyone to be change agents, bringing more empathy and connection to the world.