What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Payroll Specialist / Bookkeeper (Multi-State) position at Aptonet?
Seeking a highly organized and detail-driven professional to serve in a dual-role capacity as a Payroll Specialist and Bookkeeper, with primary ownership of payroll operations. This role ensures accurate, compliant payroll processing across multiple states while supporting day-to-day accounting operations such as payables and billing support.
The ideal candidate brings deep payroll expertise combined with solid bookkeeping fundamentals and the ability to demonstrate accuracy, discretion, and reliability in a fast-paced environment.
Primary Focus — Payroll Operations (Core Responsibility)
End-to-End Payroll Processing
- Own full-cycle weekly and biweekly payroll processing for employees across multiple states
- Maintain payroll data integrity within ADP or comparable payroll systems
- Process new hires, terminations, pay rate changes, bonuses, commissions, and adjustments
- Administer direct deposits, W-4 updates, exemptions, and benefit deductions
- Calculate wages, overtime, PTO payouts, and retroactive payments
- Perform off-cycle payroll runs and manual checks when required
- Ensure timely, accurate payroll delivery in compliance with company policies and labor laws
Multi-State Compliance & Tax Administration
- Process payroll across multiple jurisdictions while ensuring regulatory compliance
- Handle involuntary deductions including garnishments, levies, and child support orders
- Support federal, state, and local payroll tax reporting activities
- Maintain jurisdiction records and respond to payroll tax notices
- Assist with payroll audits and regulatory reviews
Time & Payroll Data Management
- Gather time data from multiple sources and validate accuracy
- Review timesheets for completeness, approvals, and policy compliance
- Resolve discrepancies, missing entries, or unapproved hours
- Perform manual checks and data consolidations when automated feeds are unavailable
Reporting & Year-End Payroll Activities
- Maintain payroll records database and documentation
- Prepare payroll summaries and internal payroll reports as requested
- Process year-end payroll activities including W-2 preparation and distribution
- Assist with quarterly and annual payroll filings
Employee Support
- Serve as primary contact for payroll-related inquiries
- Explain pay statements, deductions, taxes, and adjustments clearly
- Coordinate with HR, recruiting, and finance teams on payroll matters
- Maintain strict confidentiality of employee data
Secondary Responsibilities — Bookkeeping & Accounting Support
Accounts Payable
- Process vendor invoices and payments in a timely manner
- Maintain accounts payable records and payment schedules
- Coordinate with vendors regarding billing questions or discrepancies
- Support expense tracking and documentation
Billing & Accounts Receivable Support
- Assist with customer invoicing and billing processes
- Track outstanding invoices and follow up as directed
- Maintain accurate billing records and documentation
Administrative & Compliance Support
- Maintain orderly payroll and accounting records in accordance with company policies
- Support tax preparation activities by gathering required documentation
- Assist external accountants or auditors by providing requested records
- Participate in special projects and administrative tasks as needed
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or equivalent experience
- Proven experience as a Payroll Specialist, Payroll Practitioner, or Payroll Technician
- Demonstrated expertise in multi-state payroll processing
- Experience with ADP payroll systems strongly preferred
- Solid bookkeeping or accounting support experience
- Strong understanding of payroll taxes, deductions, and compliance requirements
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion
Preferred Qualifications
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or similar credential
- Experience in high-volume payroll environments
- Advanced Excel and reporting skills
- Experience supporting payroll audits or compliance reviews