Senior Specialist, Payroll

MSD

. Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant U.S.

Posted 9/29/2026full-timeRahway • New Jersey • United StatesSenior💰 $87,300 - $137,400 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in U.S. and Puerto Rico payroll processing, compliance with payroll regulations, and operational governance. Proficient in payroll automation, process improvement, and managing vendor relationships to enhance payroll efficiency.

Highest-signal resume keywords

U.S. And Puerto Rico Payroll OperationsADP Payroll ServicesPayroll Tax CompliancePayroll Process ImprovementPayroll Accounting

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Payroll ProcessingPayroll Tax ServicesGarnishment AdministrationYear-End ProcessingPayroll GovernanceFinancial ControlsOperational GovernanceProcess AutomationAnalyticsRegulatory Compliance

Soft Skills

Analytical SkillsProblem-SolvingProject ManagementTime ManagementCommunication

Tools & Technologies

ADPAI-Driven AnalyticsAutomation Tools

Industry Keywords

Payroll RegulationsService-Level AgreementsOperational StatisticsEmployee InquiriesMergers And Acquisitions

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant U.S. and Puerto Rico payroll processing
Oversee payroll production schedules, operational calendars, and critical processing activities
Control payroll escalations and resolve complex payroll issues and employee inquiries
Serve as operational liaison and primary relationship specialist for ADP payroll services
Monitor ADP performance metrics, SLAs, operational statistics, service trends, invoices, and vendor charges
Identify opportunities for automation, standardization, and continuous process improvement using AI-driven analytics and automation tools
Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and Puerto Rico payroll regulations and reporting requirements
Support payroll tax withholding, reporting, filing, remittance, corrections, and reconciliations
Own payroll processes, controls, audits, regulatory inquiries, and audit readiness
Coordinate quarter-end and year-end payroll activities, including tax filings, W-2 and 1099 reporting, wage reconciliations, and employee communications
Oversee payroll accounting, payroll-to-general-ledger processes, garnishments, banking transactions, and account balancing
Partner with HR, Compensation, Benefits, Global Mobility, Tax, Legal, Finance, Accounting, ADP, and external providers
Support legal entity changes, mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, integrations, and separations
Drive payroll transformation, automation, AI anomaly detection, scalability, and employee-experience initiatives
Develop and maintain payroll SOPs, work instructions, knowledge articles, and process documentation

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree, or currently in pursuit of degree completion in human resources, business or a related discipline
Minimum of 6 years’ experience; with a Masters’ degree, minimum experience is 4 years
Experience supporting U.S. and Puerto Rico payroll operations
Demonstrated experience operating within an outsourced payroll environment
Strong knowledge of federal, state, local, and Puerto Rico payroll regulations and tax compliance requirements
Experience with ADP payroll services, payroll tax services, garnishment administration, year-end processing, and payroll governance
Proven experience supporting vendor relationships, service-level agreements (SLAs), operational governance, and escalation management
Strong understanding of payroll accounting, payroll reconciliations, general ledger integrations, and financial controls
Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, legal entity changes, and organizational transformations
Demonstrated experience owning payroll process improvement, automation, and transformation initiatives
High degree of expertise in wage and garnishment administration
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills
Ability to deliver on multiple priorities and meet critical deadlines in a fast-paced environment
U.S. and Puerto Rico residency required
No visa sponsorship available
Valid driving license not required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable
Medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits for employee and family
Retirement benefits, including 401(k)
Paid holidays
Vacation
Compassionate and sick days
Hybrid work arrangement
10% travel requirement
Relocation not provided