Payroll & Tax Specialist

The HR Payroll & Tax Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations across a multi-state organization. This position is responsible for administering monthly bonus payrolls, supporting biweekly and monthly payroll cycles, and managing payroll tax reporting and compliance.

The Specialist will work within Workday and collaborate closely with our third-party administrator (TPA) to resolve payroll-related issues. Responsibilities include data entry, report generation, paycheck and W-2 distribution, and maintaining compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll and benefit regulations.

This role requires strong attention to detail, effective communication with internal teams and external partners, and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving discrepancies. The ideal candidate will be well-versed in payroll systems, regulatory requirements, and process optimization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review and ensure timecard accuracy and timely submission for biweekly payroll cycles.
• Process biweekly and monthly payrolls for salaried, hourly, commission-based, and bonus payments.
• Calculate and process monthly bonus payroll, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Audit and reconcile payroll prior to transmission; validate confirmed reports.
• Manage adjustment payrolls, including off-cycle processing and multi-jurisdictional wage corrections.
• Run payroll reports from Workday and distribute them to appropriate team members.
• Examine payroll records to ensure proper recording of tax transactions and compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
• Complete monthly, quarterly, and annual tax reconciliations to support accurate filings.
• Investigate and resolve tax notices, penalties, and agency questionnaire requests.
• Maintain 1099 data for contract employees and ensure proper reporting.
• Adhere to and contribute to HR standard operating procedures, ensuring alignment with company policies and regulatory guidelines.
• Collaborate with internal teams to identify system improvements and implement solutions.
• Perform regular audits of HRIS systems to ensure data integrity and compliance.
• Ensure status changes and time record audits are accurate; resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Process employee expense reports in accordance with the company's accountable plan.
• Respond to payroll-related inquiries, verifications of employment, and employee concerns with professionalism and timeliness.
• Research records and collaborate with internal teams to resolve complex payroll issues.
• Assume and execute additional responsibilities as assigned to support departmental and organizational goals.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Excellent understanding of multi-location payroll operations, including multi-state tax compliance and reporting.
• Strong working knowledge of federal and state payroll regulations.
• Working knowledge of Workday is highly desirable.
• Exceptional attention to detail with strong accuracy, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and other business software tools.
• Skilled in auditing, reconciliation, and data validation processes.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and professionally.
• Demonstrated ability to follow up promptly and collaborate effectively across teams.
• Focused on delivering excellent internal client service while maintaining confidentiality and trust.
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, and demonstrated business acumen.
• Proven ability to manage sensitive information and perform under deadline pressure.
• Career-minded with a strong work ethic and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Reliable team player who contributes to a positive, solutions-oriented work environment.
• Effective time management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage competing deadlines.
• Consistently delivers accurate, high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.

Education/ Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 2 years relevant experience across these core functions: payroll tax specialty preferably within high-growth or multi-location organizations.
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification) highly preferred.
• Experience supporting payroll operations within an HR department is preferred.

Physical/ Environmental Requirements

• Must be able to carry and lift items weighing up to 25 pounds.
• This position will require sitting for long periods of time, walking, standing, bending, and walking, as well as using fine motor skills, such as finger dexterity for typing and using small hand tools.
• This position requires average to above-average visual acuity and hearing.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to read memos, computer screens, personnel forms, and clinical and administrative documents.

Benefits We Offer:

• Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Health and Vision Insurance
• Employer-Paid Dental Insurance, Life Insurance, Membership & Employee Assistance Program
• Supplemental Coverage (Disability, Critical Illness, Accident)
• Career Growth and Development Opportunities

We're proud to be part of SGA Dental Partners, a group of practices across the Southeast committed to clinical excellence and community care.

Apply today—we'd love to meet you