Senior Payroll Specialist

About Us:

How many companies can say they’ve been in business for over 177 years?!

Here at ZEISS, we certainly can! As the pioneers of science, ZEISS handles the everchanging environments in a fast-paced world, meeting it with cutting edge of technologies and continuous advancements. ZEISS believes that innovation and technology are the key to a sustainable future and solutions for global change. We have a diverse range of portfolios throughout the ZEISS family in segments like, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, Consumer Markets and Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology. We are a global company with over 42,000 employees and have over 4,000 in the US and Canada alone! Make a difference, come join the team!

What’s the role?  

Position Summary:

The Senior Payroll Specialist is a key member of the payroll team, responsible for managing and executing complex payroll processes with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency. This role involves overseeing payroll operations, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and serving as a subject matter expert for payroll-related matters. Contributes to process improvements to enhance the payroll function.

Sound Interesting?

Here’s what you’ll do:

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Payroll Processing & Oversight

• Manage and process multi-state or international payrolls for salaried, hourly, and contingent employees, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Review and approve payroll calculations, including wages, overtime, bonuses, commissions, and deductions.
• Handle complex payroll scenarios, such as garnishments, tax adjustments, retroactive pay, and compliance with union agreements (if applicable).
• Ensure payroll is processed in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies.

Compliance & Reporting

• Stay current on federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, labor laws, and compliance requirements.
• Prepare and file payroll tax returns, including quarterly and annual filings (e.g., W-2s, 1099s).
• Generate and analyze payroll reports for management, audits, and financial planning.
• Collaborate with internal and external auditors to ensure payroll compliance during audits.

Employee Support

• Act as the primary point of contact for escalated payroll inquiries and resolve complex employee issues related to pay, taxes, and deductions.
• Provide guidance to employees on payroll policies, tax forms, and direct deposit setups.

Process Improvement & Leadership

• Identify inefficiencies in payroll processes and recommend or implement improvements to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
• Assist in the implementation or upgrade of payroll systems and software.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and IT teams to ensure seamless integration of payroll data and processes.

Do you qualify?

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in payroll processing, with at least 2 years in a senior or lead role.
• Experience with multi-state or international payroll is highly desirable.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation is strongly preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of payroll systems (e.g., ADP, Workday, Paychex, or similar) and timekeeping systems.
• Advanced understanding of payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced functions (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUP).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with employees, management, and external vendors.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Work Environment

• Office-based role with potential for hybrid or remote work, depending on company policy.
• May require occasional overtime during peak payroll periods, year-end processing, or audits.

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:

Zeiss provides Equal Employment Opportunity without unlawful regard to an Applicants race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, citizen status, sexual orientation, pregnancy (includes childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition), genetic predisposition, carrier status, gender expression or identity, including transgender identity, or any other class or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law of the employee (or the people with whom the employee associates, including relatives and friends).