Payroll Specialist | Onsite | Chesapeake, VA

Job Description

Sutherland is seeking a Payroll Specialist based on-site at our client location in Chesapeake, Virginia, serving as the primary interface between HR Shared Services, client leadership, and operational teams.

• This role demands deep expertise in US payroll operations, strong problem-solving capability, and an exceptional ability to manage on-site discussions, drive operational alignment, and ensure seamless coordination across multiple stakeholder groups.
• You will act as the payroll SME and governance lead, overseeing end-to-end payroll accuracy, compliance, and risk mitigation while providing strategic input on process improvements and executive-level escalations.
• This is a work-from-office, on-site role with high visibility across HR, Finance, Tax, and Executive teams.

• On-Site Stakeholder Engagement & Governance
• Represent HRSS at the client location and lead in-person discussions with HR, Finance, and business leaders.
• Ensure continuous coordination across all stakeholders, enabling smooth day-to-day payroll operations and issue resolution.
• Act as a trusted advisor to client leadership during reviews, audits, and sensitive payroll conversations.
• Payroll Processing & Compliance
• Own Build-to-Gross input reconciliation and Gross-to-Net validation for all payroll cycles.
• Manage complex payroll scenarios including executive compensation, stock payouts, garnishments, severance, multi-state taxation, and retro adjustments.
• Ensure adherence to SOX, IRS, federal, and state payroll regulations, maintaining audit readiness at all times.
• Review and validate benefit-related and retirement-related payroll inputs.
• Operational Excellence & Issue Management
• Handle high-priority payroll escalations, discrepancies, data issues, and executive queries with urgency and accuracy.
• Support response management for Tier-0 and Tier-1 payroll queries.
• Drive continuous improvement, automation, and workflow optimization within payroll operations.
• Perform payroll tax data validation and partner with tax teams for accurate and timely filings.

Systems & Process Optimization

• Ensure optimal usage and configuration of Workday, ADP, and Kronos systems.
• Support system testing, enhancements, and compliance updates aligned with regulatory changes.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to streamline payroll tools, reporting, and quality checks.

Qualifications

• 3–6 years of progressive US payroll experience, including exposure to complex and executive-level payroll scenarios.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) strongly preferred; APA or other relevant certifications are a plus.
• Expertise in Workday, ADP, Kronos, including reporting and system configuration.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related discipline; Master’s preferred.
• Strong understanding of US tax laws, payroll regulations, audits, and compliance frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience in vendor coordination and cross-functional stakeholder management.

Core Competencies

• Exceptional executive communication, stakeholder alignment, and on-site client engagement.
• Deep knowledge of US payroll tax governance, compliance, and risk mitigation.
• Strong decision-making with a commitment to accuracy, timeliness, and data integrity.
• Advanced analytical skills; proficiency in Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or other reporting tools.
• Proven ability to lead process improvements, automation initiatives, and transformation activities.
• High level of discretion in managing confidential and sensitive payroll data.
• Ability to operate within a global, matrixed environment with shifting priorities.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

EEOC and Veteran Documentation
During employment, employees are treated without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, medical condition or handicap, or any other legally protected status.
At times, government agencies require periodic reports from employers on the sex, ethnicity, handicap, veteran and other protected status of employees. The purpose of this Administrative EEO Record is for statistical analysis only and is used to comply with government record keeping, reporting, and other legal requirements. Periodic reports are made to the government on the following information. The completion of the Administrative EEO record is optional. If you choose to volunteer the requested information, please note that all 
Administrative EEO Records are kept in a Confidential File and are not part of your Application for Employment or Personnel file.
Please note: YOUR COOPERATION IS VOLUNTARY. INCLUSION OR EXCLUSION OF ANY DATA WILL NOT AFFECT ANY EMPLOYMENT DECISION.