Senior Payroll Specialist

The Senior Payroll Specialist reports directly to the Payroll Manager and is responsible for supporting the accurate and timely processing of company payrolls. This role assists with biweekly payroll, monthly payrolls, incentive and commission payments, off-cycle checks, payroll adjustments, garnishments, employee payroll changes, timekeeping review, payroll reconciliations, and payroll-related compliance activities.   The Senior Payroll Specialist serves as a key payroll resource for employees, managers, branches, HR, Finance, and external payroll-related agencies. This position requires strong attention to detail, confidentiality, payroll system knowledge, and the ability to research, resolve, and communicate payroll issues in a professional and timely manner.   Key Responsibilities:  Review employee time records and Time Bills in preparation for biweekly payroll processing. Identify and follow up on missing, incomplete, or irregular time entries, including employees reporting fewer than scheduled daily hours. Work with corporate and branch management to resolve timekeeping exceptions prior to payroll processing. Enter and maintain employee payroll changes in Dayforce and other applicable systems, including new hires, terminations, status changes, direct deposit, tax forms, deductions, and other payroll-related updates. Process garnishments, levies, child support orders, and other wage attachments in accordance with applicable instructions and legal requirements. Review and approve employee W-4 and direct deposit changes for completeness and accuracy. Ensure employee pre-tax deductions, benefit deductions, and other payroll deductions are processed correctly. Support 401(k), ESOP, and related payroll contribution processing, including employee deferrals, employer contributions, loan deductions, and contribution changes. Support payroll compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour requirements. Assist with Davis-Bacon Act and prevailing wage requirements, including collection, review, and processing of required payroll information. Use payroll, timekeeping, and related systems to process payroll information efficiently and in accordance with established procedures. Submit and monitor payroll system cases or support requests as needed. Assist with system testing, payroll process improvements, and documentation updates. Partner with HR, Finance, Accounting, branches, managers, and employees to resolve payroll-related matters. Qualifications:  4+ years of payroll processing experience, preferably in a multi-state payroll environment. Experience using payroll and timekeeping systems, preferably Dayforce or a similar payroll platform. Strong knowledge of payroll processing, federal and state wage and hour requirements, payroll taxation, deductions, garnishments, and payroll recordkeeping. Ability to review payroll data, identify discrepancies, and resolve issues effectively. Strong attention to detail, organization, and follow-through. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information appropriately.