Sr. Payroll Specialist

This is a hybrid role and the person will need to reside within commutable distance to our Linthicum, MD headquarters.

Who We Are

At SECU, we put our employees first, recognizing that their well-being and professional development are vital to our success. By fostering a supportive and empowering work environment, our employees are committed to helping members achieve long-term financial security. They are also inspired to give back to the communities we serve by volunteering and spreading kindness, which reflects our core values and who we are as an organization.

Every employee at SECU contributes to our members’ financial well-being, and we’ll always do what’s right for our members, employees, and communities.

Feel good about what you do. Belong to a place where you matter and can make a difference.

What You Will Do

The Sr. Payroll Administrator is responsible for managing and overseeing the full payroll cycle for all employees within the organization. This role ensures accurate and timely payroll processing, compliance with federal and state regulations, and the maintenance of detailed payroll records. The Sr. Payroll Administrator serves as a primary point of contact for payroll inquiries, collaborates closely with HR and Finance teams, and supports payroll-related reporting, audits, and continuous process improvements.

The Sr. Payroll Administrator adheres to regulations and organizational policies, maintaining awareness and knowledge required to perform the duties of the position, including all aspects of the Bank Secrecy Act and related regulations, such as OFAC, and the USA Patriot Act, Fair Lending and Information Security.

A Day In Your Life Might Include

Payroll Processing & Timekeeping

• Process full-cycle payroll for all employee groups, ensuring accurate and timely payment including bonus payouts, stipends, incentive plans, or seasonal pay adjustments
• Review and verify hours worked, overtime eligibility, and compliance with wage and hour laws
• Monitor and audit timekeeping entries, missed punches, and PTO usage to ensure accuracy
• Calculate retroactive pay adjustments, , and pay corrections
• Collaborate with HR to ensure correct processing of new hires, terminations, transfers, promotions, and pay changes
• Serve as the primary contact for payroll-related employee questions and resolutions
• Assist in researching and resolving payroll discrepancies or errors quickly and accurately
• Administer timekeeping and payroll for all employees on Leave of Absence (LOA), including FMLA, parental leave, medical leave, disability leave, and other approved programs
• Ensure proper coding, accurate pay treatment, and compliance with federal, state, and internal policy requirements for all LOA-related entries
• Collaborate with HR Business Partners and managers to maintain up-to-date leave status information, verify return-to-work dates, and ensure seamless coordination between leave timelines and payroll cycles
  
  

Earnings, Deductions & Benefit Administration

• Set up and maintain employee earnings, deductions, direct deposits, and tax withholding information
• Support the administration of benefit-related deductions, such as medical, dental, retirement plans, and HSA/FSA contributions
• Process wage garnishments, child support, tax levies, and other legally required deductions
  
  

Compliance, Recordkeeping & Policy Support

• Ensure compliance with company policies and state and federal regulations, including FLSA and multi-state tax requirements
• Maintain accurate payroll records and documentation for audit readiness
• Maintain employee payroll records with a high level of confidentiality
• Assist in developing and updating payroll process documentation and internal controls
  
  

Payroll Accounting, Reconciliation & Reporting

• Reconcile payroll expense and liability accounts on a regular schedule to ensure accuracy and completeness
• Reconcile payroll tax withholdings and employer tax obligations and monitor for any discrepancies
• Support month-end close activities by providing payroll summaries, reports, and account explanations
• Assist in the preparation and analysis of payroll data for year-end reporting and audits
• Provide accurate payroll data to Finance for budgeting, forecasting, labor analysis, or audit requests
• Prepare internal management reports related to labor trends, overtime utilization, and compensation spend
• Maintain supporting documentation for all payroll-related financial transactions in accordance with internal control standards
• Review quarterly tax withholding summary prepared by ADP and reconcile payroll tax returns.
  
  

HRIS Workflow & Data Management

• Validate workflow transactions in ADP (such as hires, terminations, pay changes, and job changes) to ensure completeness and correct coding before payroll processing
• Conduct regular audits of ADP employee records to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with payroll, benefits, and regulatory requirements
• Reconcile ADP data with timekeeping, benefits, and other integrated systems to identify and resolve mismatches prior to payroll processing
• Assist employees and managers with ADP self-service navigation and basic troubleshooting, ensuring timely resolution or escalation as needed
  
  

Additional Responsibilities May Include

Audits, Compliance & Year-End Requirements

• Assist with internal and external payroll audits, including providing documentation and responding to auditor questions
• Responsible for year-end payroll reporting including the timeliness and accuracy of W2s for both companies
• Responsible for the reconciliation of employee healthcare costs for W2s and ACA reporting requirements
• Assist with the preparation of the retirement year-end plan testing as requested
  
  

System, Process & Change Support

• Support system upgrades, new payroll system implementation, and testing of new features
• Participate in cross-department process improvement projects to streamline payroll operations
• Assist in managing payroll for new geographic locations or states, including establishing new tax accounts
• Provide training and support for managers or HR team members on payroll processes and use of timekeeping systems
  
  

Education Requirements

What we need from you:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred
  
  

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of payroll processing experience required
• Experience working in a multi-state payroll environment preferred
• Experience with payroll systems such as ADP, Paycom, Ceridian/Dayforce, UKG/UltiPro, or Workday is strongly preferred
• Strong knowledge of federal and state payroll regulations, wage and hour laws, and tax withholding procedures
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including formulas and reporting functions
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information
• Excellent problem-solving and customer service skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds
  
  

Compensation Information: Offers will be commensurate with experience and education. Please Note: We typically hire at or below mid-point, which is $79,000 for this role.

• Salary: Min. $61,500 – Max. $98,300
  
  

Other Compensation Includes

• Annual corporate-wide incentives
  
  

We provide comprehensive benefits, with a focus on total well-being:

• Medical, vision, dental benefits
• 401k plan with company matching
• Generous sick, vacation and personal leave
• And more...2025SECUBenefitsGuide.pdf
  
  

SECU is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce where all individuals are valued and respected. We take pride in providing equal opportunities for all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.