Senior Payroll Specialist - Tax and Garnishments

Please reference the schedule and minimum qualifications listed below before applying.

If you need assistance with filling out our application form or during any phase of the application, interview, or employment process, please notify our Human Resources Team at 801-366-6947 option 1 or email macurecruiting@macu.com and every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate your needs in a timely manner.

Job Summary

The Senior Payroll Specialist is responsible for leading and executing complex payroll operations, garnishment requirements, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and driving process improvements. This role serves as the primary point of contact for payroll-related matters, partners cross-functionally to optimize workflows, and mentors junior staff to build team capability.

Job Description

LOCATION

Mountain America Center Hybrid

9800 South Monroe Street

Sandy, UT 84070

SCHEDULE

Full Time

To be effective, an individual must be able to perform each job duty successfully.

• Serve as the primary resource for payroll team members, providing guidance and resolving escalated issues.
• Own and maintain payroll process documentation, SOPs, and training materials.
• Partners with Payroll Manager to train and mentor payroll staff, fostering skill development and knowledge sharing.
• Partner with HR, Legal, and external vendors to develop efficient payroll workflows and resolve complex issues.
• Work with analyst on special projects including system updates, integrations, upgrades, and new implementations.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization and automation within payroll operations.
• Support external audits (e.g., 401(k), workers’ compensation, financial audits) by providing accurate documentation and analysis.
• Oversee end-to-end bi-weekly payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
• Set up and handle employer registrations for new state, SUI, and local jurisdictions.
• Accurately enter wage garnishments, child support orders, and tax levies within Workday and Safari.
• Maintain accurate records of all garnishment transactions and correspondence.
• Verify all garnishment payments, including amounts and deduction recipient information.
• Audit off-cycle manual checks and ensure proper documentation and controls.
• Reconcile bi-weekly and quarterly tax reports to ensure accurate payments and timely filings.
• Assist in the preparation and submission of annual tax documents and reports.
• Ensure adherence to internal payroll controls and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with the Payroll Manager on financial period close activities and resolution of outstanding payroll issues.
• Perform root cause analysis of payroll discrepancies and implement corrective procedure.
• Generate and review payroll reports for internal stakeholders, audits, and compliance purposes.
• Maintain current knowledge of payroll laws, taxation requirements, and industry best practices.
• Actively contribute to the continuous improvement of payroll systems and team capabilities.
  
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, And ABILITIES

The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Education And Experience

• 3 years payroll experience in a multi-state environment
• 2 years experience in payroll tax filing and garnishment processing
• Experience mentoring and training preferred
• Experience with accounting preferred
• Workday payroll software experience preferred
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel, Word and Outlook
  
  

Licenses, Certifications, Registrations

• FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification) or CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) is preferred.
  
  

Knowledge & Skills

• Continues to acquire and develop working knowledge in tax filing and garnishment processing.
• Knowledge of the financial institution a plus.
• Problem solving skills
• Evaluates and communicates unfamiliar and /or complex content in a clear manner
  
  

Leadership and Organization Development

• Collaborates with peers to deliver results and build organizational capacity
• Strong contribution to team effectiveness
• Develops multifunctional base level skills
  
  

Scope and Strategic Impact

• Provides more detailed support to the team in documentation
• Completes complex tasks in creative and effective ways
• Provides updates as required by team and guides new hires
• Applies intermediate level of subject matter knowledge to solve a variety of common business issues
• Evaluates unique circumstances and assists in making recommendations
• Develops solid understanding of applications within business environment
  
  

Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving

• Works on problems / projects of moderately complex scope
• Exercises independent judgment within defined practices and procedures to determine appropriate action
  
  

Other Skills And Abilities

• Ability to accurately handle large and complex data sets
• Excellent judgment with analytical and problem-solving mindset
• The professionalism to function in a highly confidential environment
• Strong in-depth working knowledge of payroll principles, rules and regulations and demonstrated strong payroll technical skills in a variety of areas including, payroll processing, reporting, payroll taxes, garnishment, etc.
• Strong understanding of internal controls as it relates to payroll
• Experience with local, state, and federal payroll and tax laws
• Skill in handling workload fluctuations and multiple requests
• Knowledge and mindset for automation and improvements to improve processes for scalability
• Payroll procedures, reports and analysis
  
  

Physical Abilities / Working Conditions

Physical Demands

Ability to sit, talk and hear consistently

Vision Requirements

Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)

Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more)

Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)

Weight Lifted or Force Exerted

Ability to lift up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 25 pounds occasionally

Environmental

There are no unusual environmental factors (such as a typical office)

Noise Environment

Moderate noise (business office with computers and printers, light traffic)

Mountain America Credit Union is an EEO/AA/ADA/Veterans employer.