Payroll Specialist

3MD Inc.•Redmond, WA

12d•$93,002 - $101,700•Onsite

About The Position

The Payroll Specialist serves as the senior individual contributor on the payroll team, responsible for the accurate and timely processing of the organization’s multi-state and international payroll with a high degree of confidentiality and independence. Working with the Payroll Administrator, the Payroll Specialist owns end-to-end payroll execution, leads process improvement and compliance efforts, and serves as a subject matter expert and technical resource across the organization. This role bridges operational payroll execution with a higher level of analytical ownership, audit support, and cross-functional collaboration compared to the Payroll Administrator, while operating without direct people management responsibilities.

Requirements

High School Diploma Required
5 - 7 years of experience
5–7 years of progressive payroll processing experience, including multi-state and international payroll
Solid understanding of federal and state wage and hour laws, including payroll taxes, withholding, deductions, and garnishments
Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet recurring deadlines with accuracy
Proficiency in ADP and/or Paychex payroll systems
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, data reconciliation)
Hands-on experience in an accounting or finance environment with general ledger exposure
Experience supporting payroll audits and preparing compliance documentation
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high degree of attention to detail
Excellent communication skills; able to explain payroll concepts clearly to non-payroll stakeholders

Nice To Haves

CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) designation preferred
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered

Responsibilities

Independently prepare and process bi-monthly multi-state payroll and monthly international payroll with minimal supervision, serving as the primary payroll processor
Serve as the escalation point for complex payroll discrepancies, irregularities, and employee inquiries; research and resolve issues thoroughly
Reconcile payroll to the general ledger and perform related journal entries and account reconciliations
Maintain and optimize payroll system configuration, including employee records, leave balances, benefit deductions, and garnishments
Review, analyze, and certify quarterly payroll tax filings for federal and multiple states; identify and remediate filing errors
Ensure ongoing compliance with local, state, and federal wage and hour laws; proactively monitor regulatory changes and communicate impacts to stakeholders
Research emerging tax and withholding regulations and implement procedural updates as needed
Administer the 401(k) plan, including contributions, disbursements, and annual compliance requirements
Prepare and distribute weekly, monthly, quarterly, and year-end payroll reports (gross payroll, hours worked, vacation accrual, tax deductions, benefit deductions, etc.) for management
Lead payroll system improvements and participate in system upgrades, integrations, and testing in coordination with HR and IT
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for core payroll processes to ensure consistency and audit readiness
Support internal and external audits by preparing documentation, reconciliations, and responding to audit inquiries
Mentor and provide guidance to Payroll Administrator(s) on technical payroll questions and process execution
Facilitate cross-functional understanding of payroll processes and procedures across HR, Finance, and management
Act as subject matter expert for payroll across the organization, advising on policy interpretation and complex scenarios