Sr Payroll Specialist

W.R. Grace & Co.; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Insurance and Disability

Grace Wellness Program

Flexible Workplace

Retirement Plans

401(k) Company Match

Paid Vacation and Holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Company Donation Match Program

Job summary

Grace is seeking a Sr Payroll Specialist to join the Global HR Operations team, reporting to the Sr Manager, Global Payroll. This role handles end-to-end U.S. payroll processing and supports Canada and select European countries, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities include audits, issue resolution, deductions management, tax filings, and payroll reporting. Collaboration with HR, Finance, Tax, and external providers is essential for continuous process

Qualifications

• Degree in accounting/finance or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of end-to-end payroll processing experience.
• 3+ years in U.S. payroll tax regulations, multi-state processing, and year-end activities.
• Experience with payroll reconciliations and audit support.
• Experience in integrated payroll and HRIS environments.
• Experience supporting payroll system enhancements and process improvements.

Responsibilities

• Process end-to-end U.S. payroll delivery and support for Canada and select European countries.
• Audit payroll transactions, time and attendance data, and interfaces.
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee inquiries.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state/local, and international payroll regulations.
• Administer deductions, garnishments, and payroll-related transactions.
• Support payroll tax filings, reconciliations, and year-end reporting.
• Generate payroll reports and perform account reconciliations.
• Process off-cycle payrolls, ACH payments, and special payroll events.
• Maintain payroll documentation and internal controls.
• Partner with HR, Finance, Tax, and providers to support payroll operations.
• Participate in system enhancements, testing, and process improvements.
• Support internal and external audits as payroll SME.

Skills

End-to-end payroll

U.S. payroll tax rules

Multi-state payroll

Analytical skills

Confidentiality

Excel advanced

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

ADP Workforce Now

ADP Streamline

UKG Workforce Dimensions

Kronos Workforce Central

Job description

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Grace, a Standard Industries company, is a leading global supplier of catalysts, engineered materials and fine chemicals. We provide innovative products, technologies and services which our customers use to manufacture everyday products like renewable fuels, pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, cosmetics, food packaging, beer, edible oils and more. Our thousands of employees help shape a better future at our global headquarters in Columbia, MD and locations worldwide.

Job Description

We are seeking a Sr Payroll Specialist to join our Global HR Operations team, reporting to the Sr Manager, Global Payroll. This role is responsible for end-to-end U.S. payroll processing and support for Canada and select European countries. The Sr Payroll Specialist will ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations while partnering with HR, Finance, Tax, and external providers to support payroll initiatives and continuous process improvement.

• Process end-to-end payroll activities to ensure accurate and timely payroll delivery.
• Audit payroll transactions, payroll registers, time and attendance data, and payroll interfaces.
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies, employee inquiries, and complex payroll issues.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and international payroll regulations.
• Administer payroll deductions, garnishments, and other payroll-related transactions.
• Support payroll tax filings, reconciliations, year-end reporting, and regulatory requirements.
• Generate payroll reports and perform payroll account reconciliations and related accounting support.
• Process off-cycle payrolls, ACH transactions, and other special payroll payments as needed.
• Maintain payroll procedures, documentation, and internal controls.
• Partner with HR, Finance, Tax, and third-party providers to support payroll operations.
• Participate in payroll system enhancements, testing, and process improvement initiatives.
• Support internal and external audits and serve as a payroll subject matter expert

Required Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now, ADP Streamline, UKG Workforce Dimensions, Kronos Workforce Central, or similar platforms.
• 5+ years of end-to-end payroll processing experience.
• 3+ years of experience with U.S. payroll tax regulations, multi-state payroll processing, and year-end payroll activities.
• Experience with payroll reconciliations, payroll accounting, and audit support.
• Experience working within integrated payroll and HRIS environments.
• Experience supporting payroll system enhancements, testing, or process improvement initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of payroll processing, payroll tax compliance, and payroll controls.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and customer service skills.
• Advanced Excel skills, including Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, and data analysis.
• Experience with payroll, HRIS, and timekeeping systems.
• Understanding of payroll accounting, reconciliations, and general ledger impacts.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• High attention to detail and commitment to confidentiality.
• Ability to document processes and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

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Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification.
• Experience supporting Canadian and European payroll operations.
• Experience working with global payroll providers and international payroll processes.
• Experience with SOX controls, audits, and payroll governance.
• Life Insurance and Disability
• Grace Wellness Program
• Flexible Workplace
• Retirement Plans
• 401(k) Company Match
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Company Donation Match Program