Sr. Payroll Specialist

WhiteCap Search; Florham Park (NJ); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

WhiteCap Search in Florham Park, NJ is seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Specialist to oversee payroll for a multi-state workforce, including union employees. This on-site role requires strong knowledge of payroll accounting, compliance with federal and state laws, and collaboration with HR and finance to resolve discrepancies.

The position offers a hands-on opportunity to serve as a key resource for employees, management, and external stakeholders while maintaining timely payroll operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Oversee payroll for employees across multiple states, ensuring timely payment.
• Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements to payroll calculations.
• Manage deductions: taxes, union dues, benefits, retirement.
• Prepare payroll reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Audit and reconcile payroll for accuracy and compliance.
• Monitor changes in payroll regulations.
• Collaborate with HR, finance, and union reps to resolve questions.
• Maintain employee records and update payroll systems.
• Assist with year-end processes and labor cost reporting.

Skills

Payroll processing

Union payroll

Payroll reporting

Regulatory compliance

ERP systems

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

This position will have primary responsibility for payroll administration and will work closely with senior finance and accounting leadership.

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Specialist to oversee payroll operations for a multi-state workforce, including employees covered by collective bargaining agreements. This individual will be responsible for ensuring payroll is processed accurately and on time while maintaining compliance with applicable labor laws, contractual requirements, and company policies.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience with union payroll, payroll reporting, and labor-related accounting, along with the ability to work independently and serve as a key resource for employees, management, and external stakeholders.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, approximately 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Some flexibility may be available. This is an on‑site position.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the full payroll process for employees across multiple states, ensuring accurate and timely payment of wages and benefits.
• Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements and other employment‑related requirements to payroll calculations.
• Manage payroll deductions, including taxes, union dues, benefits, retirement contributions, and other applicable deductions.
• Partner with HR, finance, management, and union representatives to resolve payroll questions and discrepancies.
• Conduct regular audits and reconciliations to ensure payroll accuracy and compliance.
• Review and maintain overtime, shift premiums, holiday pay, and other compensation elements.
• Maintain accurate employee records and ensure payroll systems reflect personnel changes appropriately.
• Prepare payroll, labor, and related financial reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Support required tax, benefits, retirement, workers' compensation, and union‑related reporting.
• Monitor changes to federal, state, and local payroll regulations and applicable labor requirements.
• Serve as the primary resource for payroll‑related questions and issues.
• Provide guidance and oversight to payroll personnel and promote consistent payroll practices.
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies, disputes, and employee concerns in a timely manner.
• Work closely with accounting on payroll‑related reconciliations, labor costs, and financial reporting.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, preferably within a multi‑state and/or union environment.
• Strong understanding of payroll accounting, labor costing, and the allocation and reporting of labor‑related expenses.
• Experience working with payroll and accounting systems; familiarity with ERP‑based payroll environments preferred.
• Strong understanding of collective bargaining agreements, wage and hour requirements, and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Experience with payroll taxes, deductions, benefits, and related reporting requirements.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information and work independently in a fast‑paced environment.

Disclosure: The hourly rates and/or salaries listed may or may not reflect total compensation packages including bonus and fringe benefits, etc., nor are the advertisement(s) posted a guarantee of a certain compensation package for a position or bona fide offer of employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.