Payroll Specialist

MGT is a national leader in public sector management consulting and services that delivers diverse business consulting services to a wide range of public sector groups. Celebrating its 49th year in 2023, the firm attracts exceptional talent and empowers them to exceed client expectations as they navigate the dynamic demands of public agency performance.

We are seeking a Payroll Specialist with a strong customer-service orientation, deep respect for confidentiality, and a keen eye for systems and process improvement. Reporting to the Payroll Director, this role supports MGTs growing, multi-state team by overseeing payroll operations, ensuring compliance, and contributing to HR initiatives that strengthen employee experience and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full cycle of multi-state payroll processing for salaried and hourly employees, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Respond to payroll inquiries and resolve discrepancies promptly and professionally; maintain payroll FAQs and knowledge base resources.
• Partner with the HR Service Delivery teams on employee data updates related to compensation, benefits, and employment status changes
• Prepare, reconcile, and submit payroll tax filings (941, state/local) and lead year-end processes including W-2 and 1095-C coordination.
• Reconcile payroll general ledger entries; support month-end close, financial reporting, and internal/external audits.
• Maintain and audit HR and payroll records to ensure accuracy and compliance with EEO, FMLA, COBRA, and other employment regulations.
• Document and maintain payroll procedures to comply with internal controls and audit standards.
• Stay current with employment and payroll laws and ensure company policies and practices remain compliant.
• Participate in HR-related projects and initiatives, including technology implementations, process improvements, and compliance reviews.
• Develop and analyze HR and payroll metrics, data, and trends to support leadership decision-making.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and recommend solutions aligned with best practices and regulatory standards.
• Assist with HR system enhancements and integrations.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and data privacy in handling all payroll and employee information.
• Support additional HR lifecycle projects as needed (e.g., onboarding, offboarding, culture initiatives).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Accounting, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of payroll experience, with a focus on payroll administration and benefits coordination.
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-state payroll in a professional services or high-growth environment; experience supporting 1,000+ employees preferred.
• Strong understanding of payroll laws and regulations, including FMLA, COBRA, and state/local payroll compliance.
• Experience with payroll GL reconciliations, audits, and year-end processing.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite; intermediate to advanced Excel skills required (e.g., VLOOKUP, pivot tables).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to interpret and present data clearly and effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to work collaboratively with all levels of the organization.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and virtually; demonstrates initiative and accountability.
• Experience with UKG, ADP, or similar payroll systems preferred.
• HR or payroll certification (e.g., PHR, SHRM-CP, CPP) preferred.