Senior Payroll Specialist

Cedarhurst-Senior-Living; Clayton (MO); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Dover Companies is seeking a Sr. Payroll Specialist to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing for employees across multiple entities and states. The role serves as primary backup to the Payroll Manager and stands ready to assume full payroll operations if needed.

You will handle confidential compensation data, lead projects to improve processes, and collaborate with HR, Finance, and external vendors to strengthen controls and compliance.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of progressive payroll experience, including multi-state payroll.
• Experience with Paylocity is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading payroll projects or initiatives.
• In-depth knowledge of payroll practices, employment tax laws, and wage and hour requirements.
• Knowledge of multi-state payroll; Missouri required; Illinois preferred.
• Experience with Paylocity or a comparable payroll/HCM system.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency in Microsoft Suite.
• FPC preferred; CPP strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Strong organization and attention to detail; able to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience in senior living, construction, home health, hospice, and/or pharmacy is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Process end-to-end bi-weekly payroll for exempt and non-exempt employees across entities and states.
• Serve as primary backup to the Payroll Manager and assume full payroll operations as needed.
• Audit and reconcile payroll prior to transmission, including timesheets, PTO, overtime, and adjustments.
• Lead payroll projects and initiatives from planning through implementation.
• Handle highly sensitive data with discretion and integrity.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and tax requirements.
• Support payroll tax reporting, filings, and respond to notices with HR and Payroll team.
• Process wage attachments and maintain accurate deduction records.
• Conduct audits of set-ups, deductions, and G/L mapping for data integrity.
• Prepare payroll-related GL entries and payables in partnership with Finance.
• Analyze timesheet and PTO timeliness and recommend corrective actions.
• Resolve complex payroll discrepancies and respond to employee inquiries.
• Coordinate with external vendors and review payroll invoices for accuracy.
• Support 401(k) integration and remittance with plan administrator.

Education

Associate’s degree

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or related field

Tools

Paylocity

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Description

Position Summary:

The Sr. Payroll Specialist, reporting directly to the Payroll Manager, is responsible for the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of payroll for The Dover Companies employees across multiple entities, locations, and states. This role serves as the primary backup to the Payroll Manager and is prepared to assume full payroll operations in the event of an absence or vacancy. The Sr. Payroll Specialist handles highly sensitive and confidential compensation data, leads payroll projects and initiatives, and partners with HR, Finance, and external vendors to strengthen payroll processes, controls, and compliance.

Essential Duties:

The following duties are normal for this position. This list is not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Process end-to-end bi-weekly payroll for exempt and non-exempt employees of The Dover Companies across multiple entities, locations, and states
• Serve as the primary backup to the Payroll Manager, with the knowledge and system access to assume full payroll operations, approvals, and transmission in the event of an absence or vacancy
• Audit and reconcile payroll prior to transmission, including verification of timesheets, worked hours, PTO, overtime, and adjustments
• Lead payroll projects and initiatives such as system enhancements, process improvements, new entity or location set-ups, policy changes, and year-end activities from planning through implementation
• Handle highly sensitive and confidential information, including compensation, executive pay, tax, banking, and personal employee data, with the utmost discretion and integrity
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage and hour, and tax laws, including multi-state requirements
• Support payroll tax reporting, filings, and year-end processes, and respond to tax agency notices and requests in partnership with the Payroll Manager and Payroll & Tax Specialist
• Process wage attachments (child support, garnishments, levies, etc.) and maintain accurate deduction records
• Conduct regular audits of employee set-ups, deductions, and G/L mapping to ensure payroll data integrity
• Prepare and reconcile payroll-related general ledger entries and payables in partnership with Finance
• Analyze timeliness and accuracy of timesheet and PTO submissions by business unit and recommend corrective actions
• Resolve complex payroll discrepancies and escalated employee inquiries regarding pay, deductions, and other payroll matters
• Coordinate with external vendors, including the payroll software provider, auditors, and tax agencies, and review payroll software invoices for accuracy in billing
• Support 401(k) integration, funding, and the investigation and resolution of contribution errors, partnering with the plan administrator and Accounting to ensure timely, accurate remittance
• Train, mentor, and provide guidance to Payroll Specialists, and serve as a subject matter expert on payroll processes and systems
• Develop and maintain written payroll procedures, desk manuals, and internal controls to support business continuity
• Prepare payroll reports and analysis for HR, Finance, and leadership as requested
• Other duties as assigned

Working Conditions:

As part of The Dover Company’s commitment to providing outstanding care and support, the company ensures that staff work under conditions that prioritize safety, collaboration, and professional growth. The conditions listed below define the experience of working in the Home Office.

• This position may involve a range of physical activities, including those outlined in the Essential Duties, but is not limited to them. This position may need to walk or stand for extended periods.
• This position may need to lift to fifteen (15) pounds.
• This position may need to move through areas of the corporate office or other worksites of the organization.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build relationships at all levels of the organization is required of this role.
• The individual in this position is responsible for maintaining a safe work environment by actively preventing accidents, preserving equipment, and promoting safe working practices.
• This role involves actively participating in all staff activities aimed at fostering teamwork, unity, and morale. The individual will contribute as a collaborative team player, working alongside colleagues to create a supportive and cohesive work environment.
• Individuals in this position are required to stay current on all training and ongoing education initiatives. They are expected to actively pursue self-improvement and embrace opportunities for continuous learning to enhance their skills and knowledge.
• This position is required to work onsite at the St. Louis Dover Companies Home Office, located at 300 Hunter Ave, St. Louis, MO.
• This role is not anticipated to travel.

Requirements

Qualifications, Education and/or Experience:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.

• Associate’s degree required; bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field preferred
• Five (5)+ years of progressive payroll experience, including multi-state payroll in a high-volume, multi-entity organization, required
• Experience with Paylocity is preferred
• Demonstrated experience leading payroll projects or initiatives (e.g., system implementations, process improvements, audits) required
• In-depth knowledge of payroll practices, employment tax laws, and wage and hour requirements
• Knowledge of multi-state payroll, Missouri required; Illinois preferred
• Experience with Paylocity or a comparable payroll/HCM system required
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency in Microsoft Suite required
• Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) preferred; Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) strongly preferred
• Proven ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information with discretion and integrity
• Strong organization and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Experience in senior living, construction, home health, hospice, and/or pharmacy is a plus