Sr. Payroll Specialist

We are looking for an experienced Sr. Payroll Specialist or Accountant to support accurate and timely payroll operations for a workforce of more than 400 employees in Burlington, Massachusetts. This Contract to hire position combines hands-on payroll execution with accounting support, including bonus and equity-related payments, payroll reporting, and close activities. The role is primarily onsite with limited flexibility for occasional remote work, making it ideal for someone who can manage detailed payroll processes while partnering closely with finance.

Responsibilities:

• Administer end-to-end payroll processing for a multi-state employee population of 400+ team members, ensuring precision and adherence to established deadlines.

• Manage payroll transactions related to incentive compensation, including bonuses and equity-based payments, with careful attention to applicable deductions and reporting requirements.

• Prepare and post payroll-related journal entries to maintain accurate financial records and support monthly accounting activities.

• Complete reconciliations for payroll accounts each month, researching variances and resolving discrepancies in a timely manner.

• Partner with finance and internal stakeholders to provide payroll data and documentation needed for month-end close and ongoing reporting.

• Maintain payroll records within systems such as ADP Workforce Now or UKG Pro and help ensure data integrity across payroll inputs and outputs.

• Review payroll calculations, tax withholdings, and related adjustments to support compliance with domestic and multi-state payroll requirements.

• Support a primarily onsite payroll function in Burlington, Massachusetts, while contributing to process continuity with occasional hybrid flexibility as needed.

• Proven experience managing full-cycle payroll processing for a mid-sized or large employee population, including 400+ employees.
• Strong knowledge of multi-state domestic payroll practices, payroll compliance, and standard payroll controls.
• Hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now, UKG Pro, or comparable payroll platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare, record, and post payroll journal entries accurately.
• Experience performing monthly account reconciliations and supporting month-end close activities for payroll accounts.
• Familiarity with payroll handling for variable compensation elements such as bonuses, stock programs, or other equity-related payments.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify discrepancies, investigate issues, and maintain accurate payroll and accounting records.