Payroll Specialist

MW Partners is currently seeking a Payroll Specialist to work for our client who is a global leader in multimedia and creativity software products.

Responsibilities and duties:

Payroll Processing & Compliance

• Process bi-weekly and ad-hoc payroll with accuracy and efficiency using Workday for HRIS and UKGPro.
• Regions include North America:  US and Canada initially, supporting region may extended globally.
• Ensure payroll processing aligns with company policies and both global and country-specific statutory requirements (including equity transactions/reporting and periodic payroll reporting), maintaining high quality, professionalism, and timeliness while collaborating effectively with internal stakeholders and external service vendors.
• Execute payment processing for employee and statutory payments, along with reconciliation for various scenarios such as rejected or refunded bank transactions, uncashed checks, direct deposit issues, and stop payments, ensuring accurate resolution and compliance with company policies and local regulations.
• Ensure proper payroll documentation is maintained for each step of the process.
• Support internal and external audits, including SOX controls, by preparing necessary payroll documentation in a timely manner.

Employee Support & Issue Resolution

• Provide excellent customer service by responding to employee payroll inquiries via ServiceNow within SLA timelines.
• Prepare and update knowledge articles to provide continuous proactive support on payroll-related topics, empowering employees and internal stakeholders with readily available self-service information.

Process Improvement & Reporting

• Continuously identify opportunities for process improvements and automation to enhance payroll efficiency, while proactively addressing issues and proposing solutions as needed.
• Support the team in driving payroll-related projects and new system implementations.
• Support the development, reporting, and review of metrics to drive performance
• Assist the supervisor/manager in capturing and addressing issues, policies, and procedures from government agencies, payroll functions, and operating companies.

Teamwork and Individual Development:

• Maintain consistent communication with the supervisor/manager, team members, and key stakeholders regarding task or project status, while identifying opportunities to enhance service levels or processes. Raise any concerns promptly to ensure the delivery of high-quality service.
• Actively participate in and support departmental initiatives, seeking feedback and embracing opportunities for continuous learning to improve knowledge, skills, and experience. Monitor results to drive effectiveness and efficiency.
• Adhere to company, department, and team standards of professionalism, ensuring behavior aligns with values and fosters a positive work environment.
• Provide backup support for assigned global countries by becoming familiar with their payroll processes and being prepared to process payroll as needed, ensuring continuity and accuracy in the absence of primary personnel.
• Proactively design a self-development plan and work with the manager to track progress through regular check-ins, adjusting the plan as needed and celebrating achievements along the way.

Requirements:

• Preferred BA degree 
• 3+ years of multi-state payroll experience in a high-volume corporate environment (3,000+ employees). 

• Strong understanding of multi-state laws and taxes, and their impact on financial and statutory reporting.  Skills in payroll-related tax support for North America will be a strong plus. 

• Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and effectively manage high-pressure environments. 

• High attention to accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance in handling sensitive payroll data. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive, solution-driven mindset. 

• Proven ability to excel in a team-oriented environment, demonstrating strong customer service and collaboration skills. Experienced in navigating conflict and working toward successful resolutions.  

• Proficient interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with team and stakeholders, contributing ideas, identifying opportunities, and fostering positive outcomes. 
• Skilled at building strong, collaborative relationships with both internal teams and external payroll service providers. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and data analysis). 

Preferred

• Experience working with UKG Pro, ServiceNow and Workday HR (or similar HRIS and payroll systems). 

• Working knowledge of equity transactions in payroll (ESPP, RSU). 

• Proficiency in multiple languages is a plus