Payroll Specialist - Contractor

Job Requirements

Why work for us?

Alkegen brings together two of the world’s leading specialty materials companies to create one new, innovation-driven leader focused on battery technologies, filtration media, and specialty insulation and sealing materials. Through global reach and breakthrough inventions, we’re delivering products that enable the world to breathe easier, live greener, and go further than ever before.

With over 60 manufacturing facilities with a global workforce of over 9,000 of the industry’s most experienced talent, including insulation and filtration experts, Alkegen is uniquely positioned to help customers impact the environment in meaningful ways.

Alkegen offers a range of dynamic career opportunities with globe-spanning reach. From production operators to engineers, technicians to specialists, sales to leadership, we’re always looking for top talent ready to bring their best.  Come grow with us!

The Payroll Specialist - Contractor is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of multi-state payroll, payroll tax compliance, reporting, and resolution of complex payroll tax issues. This role serves as the subject matter expert for payroll tax regulations, agency notices, tax audits, reconciliations, and payroll reporting while ensuring payroll operations are executed efficiently and in compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience managing payroll tax cases, working directly with tax authorities, resolving payroll discrepancies, and supporting payroll compliance across a large, multi-state organization.

Key Responsibilities

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Payroll Tax Administration

- Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll tax matters and agency correspondence.
- Research, analyze, and resolve federal, state, and local payroll tax notices.
- Manage payroll tax registrations, account maintenance, and jurisdictional updates.
- Coordinate responses to tax agency inquiries and audits.
- Ensure accurate withholding, reporting, and remittance of payroll taxes.
- Identify and resolve payroll tax filing discrepancies and reconciliation issues.
- Monitor regulatory changes and recommend necessary payroll process updates.

Reporting & Compliance

- Prepare and analyze payroll reports for Finance, HR, and internal stakeholders.
- Perform payroll account reconciliations and identify variances.
- Support quarterly and annual tax filings.
- Assist with SOX controls, internal audits, and compliance documentation.
- Maintain payroll records in accordance with company policy and legal requirements.
- Develop and document payroll procedures and process improvements.

Payroll Operations

- Process weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and off-cycle payrolls accurately and on schedule.
- Review payroll transactions including new hires, terminations, pay adjustments, bonus payments, commissions, and garnishments.
- Validate payroll inputs and outputs to ensure compliance with company policies and applicable regulations.
- Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies, overpayments, and employee payroll inquiries.
- Support end-of-year payroll activities including W-2 processing and payroll audits.

Systems & Process Improvement

- Partner with HR, Finance, and external payroll vendors to resolve payroll-related issues.
- Identify process inefficiencies and recommend solutions to improve accuracy and compliance.
- Support payroll system testing, upgrades, and implementation activities as needed.
- Participate in payroll-related projects, mergers, acquisitions, or organizational changes.

Required Qualifications

- 5+ years of payroll administration experience.
- 3+ years of direct payroll tax compliance and payroll tax case management experience.
- Demonstrated experience resolving federal, state, and local payroll tax notices and audits.
- Strong knowledge of: Multi-state payroll administration Federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations Wage and hour laws Garnishments and deductions Quarterly and annual payroll tax filings
- Advanced Excel skills including pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and data analysis.
- Experience working with large payroll systems such as Workday, Dayforce, ADP, UKG, SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience supporting payrolls of 1,000+ employees.
- Experience in a manufacturing or multi-location environment.
- Experience managing payroll tax vendors and third-party payroll providers.
- Knowledge of international payroll practices and expatriate taxation.

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Contract Duration: 3-6 months (with potential extension)
Employment Type: Contract / Temporary
Work Arrangement: Hybrid; Mon-Thurs in office
Reports To: US Payroll Lead