Payroll Tax Specialist

TriNet is a leading provider of comprehensive human resources solutions for small to midsize businesses (SMBs). We enhance business productivity by enabling our clients to outsource their HR function to one strategic partner and allowing them to focus on operating and growing their core businesses. Our full-service HR solutions include features such as payroll processing, human capital consulting, employment law compliance and employee benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans and workers’ compensation insurance. 
TriNet has a nationwide presence and an experienced executive team. Our stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol TNET. If you’re passionate about innovation and making an impact on the large SMB market, come join us as we power our clients’ business success with extraordinary HR.

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that many potential applicants discourage themselves from applying to jobs unless they meet every single requirement. TriNet always strives to hire the most qualified candidate for a particular role, ensuring we deliver outstanding results for our small and medium-size customers. So if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every single qualification in the job description, nobody’s perfect – and we encourage you to apply. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles.

Job Summary

The US Payroll Tax Specialist is responsible for ensuring accurate payroll tax setup, processing, and compliance across federal, state, and local jurisdictions in the United States. This role manages tax registrations, handles agency notices, supports quarter-end and year-end tax activities, and ensures timely and accurate tax filings. The specialist collaborates with internal teams, external agencies, and clients to resolve tax-related issues and maintain audit-ready documentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage federal, state, and local payroll tax setup, maintenance, and validation.
• Process payroll tax updates including SUI rates, state/local tax elections, and agency requirement changes.
• Handle tax notices, discrepancies, amendments, and correspondence with tax agencies.
• Ensure on-time tax filings, deposits, and responses related to quarterly and annual payroll tax obligations.
• Support quarter-end and year-end activities, including W‑2/W‑3, 940/941, and other statutory submissions.
• Maintain employer tax accounts (FEIN, SUI, SIT) and assist in new tax jurisdiction registrations.
• Perform tax reconciliations, variance analysis, and root-cause investigation for tax variances.
• Ensure compliance with US federal, state, and local payroll tax laws and regulatory updates.
• Collaborate with internal Payroll, HRIS, CDCM, and Compliance teams to resolve tax-related issues.
• Maintain detailed documentation, SOPs, audit logs, and evidence for all tax responsibilities.
• Provide end-to-end customer support through multiple channels including Chat, Email, and Inbound/Outbound Calls, ensuring timely, accurate, and professional resolution of client and employee inquiries.
• Demonstrate flexibility to work in a 24/7 shift environment, including night shifts, weekends, and holidays, in alignment with business and client coverage requirements

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business, or related discipline (preferred).

Experience:

• 2–5 years of US payroll tax experience (federal, state, and local).
• Experience in a PEO or multi-state payroll environment is highly preferred

Certifications (Preferred):

• Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) – APA
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) – APA

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of US payroll tax regulations across multiple states and jurisdictions.
• Experience with tax systems, payroll platforms, or ERP HR/Payroll modules (People Soft, Workday or SAP).
• Excellent analytical, research, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Ability to manage high‑volume work with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Excel and payroll reporting tools.

Work Environment

• Work in a clean, pleasant, and comfortable office work setting. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable persons with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• This position is 100% in office.  

Please Note: TriNet reserves the right to change or modify job duties and assignments at any time. The above job description is not all encompassing. Position functions and qualifications may vary depending on business necessity.

TriNet is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants based on race, religion, color, disability, medical condition, legally protected genetic information, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), age, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics. Any applicant with a mental or physical disability who requires an accommodation during the application process should contact [email protected] to request such an accommodation.