Senior Payroll Specialist

Join SALT Dental Partners and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to revolutionizing the dental industry through innovative marketing strategies and exceptional patient experiences. Since our doors opened in 2019, our mission has been to help specialty dental providers grow their practices. SALT is creating a vast network of like-minded dental specialists throughout the country. At SALT, we provide comprehensive support services, allowing dental specialists to focus on delivering exceptional care.

Position Summary
The Senior Payroll Specialist is responsible for executing and overseeing end-to-end payroll processing with a strong emphasis on payroll tax compliance, reporting, and reconciliation. This role ensures accurate and timely payroll while maintaining strict adherence to federal, state, and local tax regulations. The ideal candidate is a subject matter expert in payroll tax laws and serves as a key resource for compliance, audits, and process optimization.

Payroll Tax Compliance (Primary Focus)

• Manage all aspects of payroll tax compliance including federal, state, and local withholding requirements.
• Prepare, review, and file payroll tax returns (e.g., Forms 941, 940, W-2, state unemployment returns).
• Reconcile payroll tax accounts and ensure timely tax deposits.
• Research and interpret complex tax regulations across multiple jurisdictions.
• Ensure compliance with new tax laws, regulatory changes, and system updates.
• Resolve tax notices, discrepancies, and inquiries from tax agencies.
• Partner with third-party tax vendors (e.g., ADP, Ceridian, Workday) to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Payroll Processing & Operations

• Process multi-state, multi-entity payrolls on a regular cycle (weekly, biweekly, semi-monthly).
• Review and validate payroll data inputs including earnings, deductions, garnishments, and benefits.
• Ensure accurate calculation of wages, overtime, bonuses, and commissions.
• Perform payroll audits and reconciliations prior to final transmission.

Reporting & Reconciliation

• Perform monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll and tax reconciliations.
• Prepare year-end activities including W-2 processing and validation.
• Generate internal and external payroll reports for Finance, HR, and auditors.
• Reconcile general ledger payroll accounts and support accruals.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Maintain payroll systems, ensuring accurate tax setup and configuration.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and compliance.
• Support payroll system upgrades, implementations, and testing (especially tax-related changes).

Audit & Compliance Support

• Serve as primary point of contact for payroll tax audits and internal/external audits.
• Maintain documentation for compliance and audit readiness.
• Ensure adherence to SOX controls and internal policies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with HR, Finance, and Benefits teams to ensure seamless payroll integration.
• Provide guidance on payroll tax implications for employee mobility, bonuses, relocation, and equity.
• Train and mentor junior payroll staff.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5–8+ years of payroll experience with significant focus on payroll tax.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. payroll tax laws and regulations across multiple states.
• Experience with multi-state payroll, including reciprocity rules and local taxes.
• Hands-on experience preparing and reconciling payroll tax filings.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced Excel skills (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP).

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation.
• Experience with major payroll systems (e.g., ADP, Workday, UKG, Ceridian).
• Exposure to international payroll or expatriate tax considerations (a plus).
• Experience supporting audits and working with tax authorities.

Key Competencies

• Payroll tax expertise and compliance mindset
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to handle confidential information with integrity
• Effective communication and stakeholder management
• Continuous improvement and process-driven thinking

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k with Company Match, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Training and Development opportunities

SALT Dental Partners offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan, and paid time off in order to attract, develop, and retain our employees.

SALT Dental Partners offers equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, gender, age, creed, sex, religion, national origin, disability (physical or mental), marital status, citizenship, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, or any other legally protected status.

Recruiting firms may not submit candidate resumes via e-mail. Recruiters are directed to contact one of our Talent Acquisition representatives regarding current vacancies.

For more information on our career opportunities and benefits, please connect with us at recruiting@saltdentalpartners.com.