Payroll Tax Lead

AbbVie - Irvine, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Irvine, CA

Chemical Manufacturing

About the position

The Payroll Tax Lead at AbbVie plays a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and compliance of payroll tax operations across the organization, specifically for the US and Puerto Rico. This position is based in Irvine, CA, and operates in a hybrid model, requiring three days a week in the office. The Payroll Tax Lead is responsible for processing timely payroll tax payments, reporting, and maintaining compliance with all relevant tax regulations. This includes staying updated on federal, state, and local tax laws, and implementing necessary adjustments to payroll systems and processes to ensure compliance standards are met. In this role, the Payroll Tax Lead will conduct regular audits to identify and resolve compliance issues, ensuring that all tax filings are completed accurately and on time to avoid penalties. The lead will work closely with the Payroll Team to ensure that payroll tax liabilities are processed accurately and in a timely manner. This includes reconciling state withholding taxes and unemployment taxes on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis, as well as ensuring that payroll tax deposits are remitted correctly. The Payroll Tax Lead will also be responsible for partnering with internal stakeholders and external partners, such as ADP, to manage the application for identification numbers when entering new jurisdictions. Additionally, the role involves leading and driving activities related to RSU vesting and year-end payroll processing, troubleshooting any system issues related to payroll tax calculations, and identifying opportunities for process improvements and automation. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of payroll tax legislation, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Tax, along with a minimum of five years of relevant payroll tax experience. A Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification is highly preferred. The role also demands proficiency in Excel and strong project management skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively in both English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Process accurate and timely payroll tax payments and reporting.
• Oversee US and Puerto Rico payroll tax operations and ensure compliance with tax regulations.
• Monitor and understand US federal, state, and local tax laws to ensure compliance.
• Perform regular audits to identify and resolve compliance issues.
• Work in partnership with the Payroll Team to ensure accurate processing of payroll tax liabilities.
• Reconcile state withholding taxes and state unemployment taxes monthly, quarterly, and annually.
• Ensure payroll tax deposits are remitted timely and accurately.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and ADP to apply for identification numbers when entering new jurisdictions.
• Monitor required tax filings accurately and within deadlines, including amendments and corrections for state and federal returns.
• Lead and drive RSU Vesting and Year-End Payroll processing activities.
• Troubleshoot system issues related to payroll tax calculations.
• Evaluate and improve payroll tax processes for higher efficiency and accuracy.
• Identify opportunities for automation and lead implementation efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Finance / Accounting / Tax.
• Minimum 5 years of US and Puerto Rico payroll tax experience required.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or equivalent highly preferred.
• Very proficient in Excel, Word, and related functions with a high level of attention to detail.
• Working knowledge of Workday Payroll and Tax experience integrating with 3rd party applications.
• Strong customer orientation and a work ethic based on a strong desire to exceed expectations.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English and Spanish.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and collaborate with multiple stakeholders.
• Good analytical and process diagnostic skills with attention to detail.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with payroll tax automation tools.
• Knowledge of additional languages besides English and Spanish.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance