Sr Payroll Specialist

Annual Wage Range: $81,383.20 - $111,901.90
Other Compensation: Eligibility for the Short-Term Incentive program and other applicable bonuses
Benefits: U.S. Employee Benefits Summary (grace.com)

Grace, a Standard Industries company, is a leading global supplier of catalysts, engineered materials and fine chemicals. We provide innovative products, technologies and services which our customers use to manufacture everyday products like renewable fuels, pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, cosmetics, food packaging, beer, edible oils and more. Our thousands of employees help shape a better future at our global headquarters in Columbia, MD and locations worldwide.

Job Description

We are seeking a Sr Payroll Specialist to join our Global HR Operations team, reporting to the Sr Manager, Global Payroll. This role is responsible for end-to-end U.S. payroll processing and support for Canada and select European countries. The Sr Payroll Specialist will ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations while partnering with HR, Finance, Tax, and external providers to support payroll initiatives and continuous process improvement.

Responsibilities

• Process end-to-end payroll activities to ensure accurate and timely payroll delivery.
• Audit payroll transactions, payroll registers, time and attendance data, and payroll interfaces.
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies, employee inquiries, and complex payroll issues.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and international payroll regulations.
• Administer payroll deductions, garnishments, and other payroll-related transactions.
• Support payroll tax filings, reconciliations, year-end reporting, and regulatory requirements.
• Generate payroll reports and perform payroll account reconciliations and related accounting support.
• Process off-cycle payrolls, ACH transactions, and other special payroll payments as needed.
• Maintain payroll procedures, documentation, and internal controls.
• Partner with HR, Finance, Tax, and third-party providers to support payroll operations.
• Participate in payroll system enhancements, testing, and process improvement initiatives.
• Support internal and external audits and serve as a payroll subject matter expert

Required Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now, ADP Streamline, UKG Workforce Dimensions, Kronos Workforce Central, or similar platforms.
• 5+ years of end-to-end payroll processing experience.
• 3+ years of experience with U.S. payroll tax regulations, multi-state payroll processing, and year-end payroll activities.
• Experience with payroll reconciliations, payroll accounting, and audit support.
• Experience working within integrated payroll and HRIS environments.
• Experience supporting payroll system enhancements, testing, or process improvement initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of payroll processing, payroll tax compliance, and payroll controls.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and customer service skills.
• Advanced Excel skills, including Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, and data analysis.
• Experience with payroll, HRIS, and timekeeping systems.
• Understanding of payroll accounting, reconciliations, and general ledger impacts.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• High attention to detail and commitment to confidentiality.
• Ability to document processes and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

• #LI -TC1

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification.
• Experience supporting Canadian and European payroll operations.
• Experience working with global payroll providers and international payroll processes.
• Experience with SOX controls, audits, and payroll governance.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance and Disability
• Grace Wellness Program
• Flexible Workplace
• Retirement Plans
• 401(k) Company Match
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Company Donation Match Program

Grace is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Grace via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Grace. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Grace as a result of the referral or through other means.