SR Payroll Specialist

Zumiez

Lynnwood, Northern (WA, KY)

Hybrid

USD 72,000 - 85,000

Full time

5 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k) plan

Bonus Eligible

Job summary

Zumiez is seeking a Senior Payroll Specialist to lead the accurate processing of payroll for 9,000+ employees across multiple states. You will serve as the payroll expert, guiding team members, resolving complex issues, and driving process improvements in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities include complex transactions, garnishments, tax activities, reconciliations, and audits. Collaboration with HR, Benefits, Finance, IT, and field management is essential to ensure compliance and

Qualifications

5+ years of payroll experience in a high-volume, multi-state environment.
Experience processing complex payroll transactions end-to-end.
Experience administering wage garnishments, child support orders, tax levies, and other involuntary deductions.
Working knowledge of federal and state wage and hour laws, payroll tax regulations, and FLSA requirements.
Experience reconciling payroll reports, payroll tax data, deductions, and GL balances.

Responsibilities

Process payroll accurately and timely in compliance with regulations and policies.
Administer complex payroll transactions including retroactive adjustments and bonus payments.
Manage wage garnishments and other involuntary deductions with proper remittance.
Research and resolve complex payroll issues as escalation point.
Reconcile payroll data, reports, filings, and GL interfaces.
Review audits and validation reports to identify discrepancies before processing.
Partner with HR, Benefits, Finance, IT, and field management to resolve issues.
Support payroll tax activities and documentation.
Develop, maintain, and update payroll process documentation and training materials.
Train and support payroll team members on processes and compliance.
Identify opportunities for process improvements and efficiency.

Skills

Advanced payroll processing

Garnishment and payroll compliance

Analytical and problem-solving

Attention to detail

Communication and customer service

Deadline prioritization

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership through knowledge sharing

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred

Tools

Excel

Job description

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE: Reports to the Payroll Manager – Home Office

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt, Full Time

DEPARTMENT: Accounting

LOCATION: Lynnwood Home Office

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Payroll Specialist is a key member of the Zumiez Payroll Team and is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for more than 9,000 employees in a high-volume, multi-state environment. This position performs complex payroll transactions, payroll reconciliations, payroll tax activities, and garnishment administration while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

The Senior Payroll Specialist serves as a subject matter expert for payroll operations, providing guidance and support to team members, resolving complex payroll issues, and partnering with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements and operational excellence.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Process payroll accurately and timely in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, company policies, and established payroll procedures.
Administer complex payroll transactions including retroactive adjustments, off-cycle payments, bonus payments, final pay calculations, and other variable compensation.
Manage wage garnishments, child support orders, tax levies, bankruptcies, and other involuntary deductions, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and required remittances.
Research and resolve complex payroll issues, serving as an escalation point for payroll questions and employee concerns.
Reconcile payroll data, payroll reports, tax filings, deductions, and general ledger interfaces to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Review payroll audits and validation reports to identify discrepancies and correct issues prior to payroll processing.
Partner with Human Resources, Benefits, Finance, IT, and field management teams to resolve payroll-related issues.
Support payroll tax activities, including balancing, reporting, and issue resolution.
Develop, maintain, and update payroll process documentation and training materials.
Train and support payroll team members on payroll processes, system functionality, and compliance requirements.
Identify opportunities for process improvements, increased efficiency, and enhanced accuracy within payroll operations.
Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive employee and payroll information.
Perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Advanced payroll processing knowledge
Garnishment and payroll compliance expertise
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Attention to detail and accuracy
Effective communication and customer service skills
Ability to prioritize and manage competing deadlines
Cross-functional collaboration and relationship building
Leadership through influence and knowledge sharing

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

5+ years of payroll experience in a high-volume, multi-state environment.
Strong experience processing complex payroll transactions from end to end.
Demonstrated experience administering wage garnishments, child support orders, tax levies, bankruptcies, and other involuntary deductions.
Working knowledge of federal and state wage and hour laws, payroll tax regulations, and FLSA requirements.
Experience reconciling payroll reports, payroll tax data, deductions, and general ledger balances.
Proven ability to research, analyze, and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee pay issues.
Experience training, mentoring, or supporting other payroll team members preferred.
Intermediate to advanced Excel skills, including data analysis and reconciliations.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
High school diploma or equivalent required; additional college coursework preferred.
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position involves primarily desk-based work using a computer in an office or remote environment. Extended periods of sitting and computer use are typical. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job function.

BENEFITS