Senior Payroll Specialist

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE: Reports to the Payroll Manager – Home Office

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt, Full Time

DEPARTMENT: Accounting

LOCATION: Lynnwood Home Office

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Payroll Specialist is a key member of the Zumiez Payroll Team and is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for more than 9,000 employees in a high-volume, multi-state environment. This position performs complex payroll transactions, payroll reconciliations, payroll tax activities, and garnishment administration while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

The Senior Payroll Specialist serves as a subject matter expert for payroll operations, providing guidance and support to team members, resolving complex payroll issues, and partnering with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements and operational excellence.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Process payroll accurately and timely in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, company policies, and established payroll procedures.
Administer complex payroll transactions including retroactive adjustments, off-cycle payments, bonus payments, final pay calculations, and other variable compensation.
Manage wage garnishments, child support orders, tax levies, bankruptcies, and other involuntary deductions, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and required remittances.
Research and resolve complex payroll issues, serving as an escalation point for payroll questions and employee concerns.
Reconcile payroll data, payroll reports, tax filings, deductions, and general ledger interfaces to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Review payroll audits and validation reports to identify discrepancies and correct issues prior to payroll processing.
Partner with Human Resources, Benefits, Finance, IT, and field management teams to resolve payroll-related issues.
Support payroll tax activities, including balancing, reporting, and issue resolution.
Develop, maintain, and update payroll process documentation and training materials.
Train and support payroll team members on payroll processes, system functionality, and compliance requirements.
Identify opportunities for process improvements, increased efficiency, and enhanced accuracy within payroll operations.
Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive employee and payroll information.
Perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Advanced payroll processing knowledge
Garnishment and payroll compliance expertise
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Attention to detail and accuracy
Effective communication and customer service skills
Process improvement mindset
Ability to prioritize and manage competing deadlines
Cross-functional collaboration and relationship building
Leadership through influence and knowledge sharing

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

5+ years of payroll experience in a high-volume, multi-state environment.
Strong experience processing complex payroll transactions from end to end.
Demonstrated experience administering wage garnishments, child support orders, tax levies, bankruptcies, and other involuntary deductions.
Working knowledge of federal and state wage and hour laws, payroll tax regulations, and FLSA requirements.
Experience reconciling payroll reports, payroll tax data, deductions, and general ledger balances.
Proven ability to research, analyze, and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee pay issues.
Experience training, mentoring, or supporting other payroll team members preferred.
Intermediate to advanced Excel skills, including data analysis and reconciliations.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
High school diploma or equivalent required; additional college coursework preferred.
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position involves primarily desk-based work using a computer in an office or remote environment. Extended periods of sitting and computer use are typical. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job function.

BENEFITS

• Salary Range $72,000 to $85,000

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance following an initial waiting period

• 401(k) after meeting eligibility requirements

• Bonus Eligible

• Paid Parental Leave

• Life Insurance

• Paid Vacation

• Paid Sick Leave

• Stock Purchase Program

• Employee Discount on Zumiez product

Qualifications