Payroll Tax Compliance Specialist (Hybrid - El Segundo, CA)

Our Customer is an endoscope manufacturer, offering systems for human and veterinary medicine as well as for industrial applications. They are headquartered in El Segundo, California.

Our Customer is seeking a Payroll Tax Compliance Specialist on a contract basis to help support their business needs. This role is hybrid in El Segundo, CA.

The Payroll Tax Compliance Specialist is a creative, innovative, self-driven, action-oriented, and solution-focused individual responsible for ensuring accurate and timely processing of all frequencies of payroll using ADP Workforce Now, including computing wages and overtime payments, calculating and recording payroll deductions, and processing manual pay requests. The role requires advanced knowledge to act as the subject matter expert for resolution related to the payroll system, company policies, as well as compliance of federal and state regulations as they relate to payroll tax, wage and hour laws (including Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and garnishments.

The role provides support to all roles within the Payroll Team. The Payroll Tax Compliance Specialist must be able to effectively manage priorities with great attention to detail while performing a wide variety of routine record-keeping tasks, managing project timelines, documenting processes, developing procedures, and ensuring accuracy while meeting the timely completion of deliverables.

The role is primarily responsible for the timely management of all tax correspondents and deliverables of federal, multi-state, and local agency notices, as well as researching tax laws and regulations and implementing the appropriate process and treatment.

Responsibilities:

• Process payroll for 2,700+ U.S. multi-state employees, including commission structures
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including Regular Rate of Pay requirements
• Monitor and apply evolving payroll legislation (e.g., final pay, minimum wage, meal/rest premiums)
• Serve as subject matter expert on payroll tax compliance and regulatory requirements
• Manage all payroll tax activities, including filings, reconciliations, amendments, and compliance reporting
• Partner with an external payroll provider (e.g., ADP) on tax processing, notices, and issue resolution
• Coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies on payroll-related matters
• Audit payroll tax deposits, filings, and year-end reporting (W-2, W-2C, amendments)
• Reconcile quarterly and annual tax filings to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Collect, validate, and balance timekeeping data from workforce systems
• Partner with HR and IT to ensure timekeeping and payroll systems function accurately
• Run and audit payroll cycles to ensure compliance with internal controls
• Handle payroll inquiries, discrepancies, and issue resolution in a timely manner
• Maintain accurate payroll records in compliance with legal and organizational standards
• Prepare and distribute payroll reports (scheduled and ad hoc) to stakeholders
• Support internal and external audits by preparing the required documentation
• Manage all payroll frequencies (weekly, biweekly, monthly, bonus, adjustments)
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy
• Troubleshoot system issues and collaborate with payroll vendors or IT for resolution
• Maintain strong cross-functional partnerships with HR, Accounting, Sales Compensation, and IT
• Participate in the documentation and enhancement of payroll procedures and controls
• Support special projects, cross-training, and team initiatives as needed

Skills and Qualifications:

• 5-7+ years of payroll processing experience with multi-state tax compliance
• Strong knowledge of FLSA and payroll-related federal, state, and local regulations
• Hands-on experience with payroll systems (e.g., ADP, Workday, UKG, Paychex, Ceridian, Oracle, QuickBooks)
• Experience with payroll tax filings (941, 940, W-2, W-3, 1099)
• Knowledge of IRS regulations (FICA, FUTA, SUTA) and tax compliance requirements
• Experience with garnishments, withholdings, and employee classification (W-2 vs. 1099)
• Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, data validation)
• Experience with year-end payroll processing and tax reconciliation
• Experience using tax research tools (e.g., XpertHR, Bloomberg Tax, CCH)
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High attention to detail and the ability to maintain confidentiality

Preferred Qualifications:

• 7-10+ years of payroll and multi-state tax experience
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now and related systems (SAP, SharePoint, Dimensions)
• Strong understanding of payroll accounting concepts and practices
• Experience with process improvement and automation initiatives
• Ability to interpret and communicate complex payroll regulations clearly

We offer a competitive salary range for this position. Most candidates who join our team are hired at the median of this range, ensuring fair and equitable compensation based on experience and qualifications.

An Equal Opportunity Employer. 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.