Demo

Senior Payroll Specialist

Ocean State
North Kingstown, RI Full Time
POSTED ON 12/3/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/3/2026

Company Overview:

Ocean State Job Lot (“OSJL” or the “Company”) is a dynamic $850 million general merchandise retailer with a strong foothold across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. With over 170 stores currently and ambitious plans to reach 180 locations, OSJL offers exciting opportunities for growth and contribution. We are an opportunity-driven retailer owning over 50% of our operating locations, totaling 8 million square feet, demonstrating our stability and long-term vision. At OSJL, you will be part of a team committed to delivering exceptional value to our customers while driving positive change and a more responsible future for retail within our communities.

Job Description:

The Senior Payroll Specialist role at OSJL plays a critical role within the Finance department, ensuring that payroll for over 6,000 associates across multiple states is processed accurately and timely. This position demands a high level of expertise in payroll processing and a keen understanding of federal, state, and local tax laws and regulations. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the calculation and processing of various pay components, meticulous management of associate time and attendance records, efficient processing of new hires and terminations, and the generation of comprehensive payroll reports.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Manage the complex process of weekly payroll for approximately 6,000 associates, ensuring the accurate and timely payment of wages, deductions, and taxes.
  • Oversee the maintenance of accurate and complete associate records, including personnel files, timecards, and benefit information.
  • Accurately calculate and process a comprehensive range of payroll deductions, including federal, state, and local taxes, health insurance, 401(k) contributions, and other voluntary deductions.
  • Research and resolve complex payroll issues, including wage garnishments and child support orders
  • Ensure ongoing compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations.
  • Audit payroll data to ensure accuracy; promptly correct any discrepancies.  
  • Proactively research and analyze new and evolving labor and tax laws.
  • Leverage expertise to complete year-end payroll processing tasks, including audits, W-2 preparation, and distribution, accurately and timely.
  • Lead and participate in special projects and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • 5 or more years of progressive payroll experience, including multi-state payroll processing, is required.
  • Experience processing payroll for a large organization (6,000 associates) is preferred.
  • Strong understanding of federal, state, and local payroll tax laws and regulations.
  • Experience with payroll tax filings (i.e., 941, 940, etc.) and reconciliations.
  • Proficiency in payroll software (i.e., UKG, ADP, Paychex), Microsoft Office Suite (i.e., Excel, Word), and Google platform (i.e., Sites, Slides, Drive, Docs, Sheets).
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to meet deadlines and handle high-volume workloads.
  • Experience with HRIS systems is preferred.

Work Environment:

  • Works primarily in a climate controlled environment with minimal safety and health hazard
    potential. 
  • Works in an office environment remaining stationary at a desk, table, or computer workstation for extended periods of time. Frequently uses near vision for reading and computer tasks. 
  • Hybrid: Some work may be completed outside of the Company locations, with at least three (3) days a week in the Corporate Office. The role is responsible for setting up a professional and ergonomically safe work environment and to be available during working hours. The role may also bring their own device/s to complete all work (e.g. all computer hardware and software, including audio and video capabilities for virtual meetings; and reliable Internet connection with ability to access the Google platform for virtual meetings and applications used for work).
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

This job description does not list all the duties of the job.  You may be asked by supervisors or managers to perform other job duties and tasks, some of which may be essential to the position.  Leadership has the right to revise this job description at any time.  The job description is not a contract, either express or implied.  You are an at-will employee, meaning either you or the Company may terminate your employment at any time, with or without notice.

OSJL Featured Total Rewards & Perks:

  • Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including but not limited to Medical, Dental, Vision, and much more.
  • 401K Program
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Associate Store 30% Discounts
  • Enjoy complimentary access to OSJL-owned vacation properties, along with discounted gym memberships and 20% off at OSJL affiliated restaurants.
  • Free lunch Fridays

The compensation range for this position is $28.00-$34.00/hr. Salary commensurates with experience.

Salary : $28 - $34

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