Senior Specialist, Payroll Tax (Hybrid)

Westat is a leader in research, data collection and analysis, technical assistance, evaluation, and communications. Our evidence-based findings help clients in government and the private sector accelerate advancements in health, education, transportation, and social and economic policy. Our dedication to improving lives through research and our approach to projects grounded in investigative curiosity, statistical and data rigor, adaptive methods, and advanced technology are why clients find exceptional value in our work.

We are seeking a Payroll Tax Specialist with an excellent technical grasp who can drive department controls with a focus on customer support. This role serves as a key liaison between employees, Human Resources, Accounting, and external payroll providers to resolve payroll tax issues, manage tax compliance, and support payroll help desk processes. This position is responsible for federal, state, and local tax applications and reconciliations.  The ideal candidate possesses strong payroll tax expertise, analytical skills, customer service capabilities, and experience working within outsourced payroll environments.

This position has a hybrid work arrangement working from our Bethesda, Maryland office 2 days per week.

Job Responsibilities 

• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes impacting payroll tax compliance
• Partner with payroll vendors to ensure tax updates are implemented accurately and timely
• Support audit requests, payroll tax discrepancies, notices, penalties, and agency inquiries
• Generate, review, reconcile payroll tax reports, including quarter end and year end activities
• Assist in preparing all necessary tax applications/filings as required
• Proactively collaborate with HR team
• Maintains employee confidence and protects payroll operations
• Provide payroll support/customer service to employees through ticketing system, phone, and email

Basic Qualifications 

• Typically requires a Bachelor's Degree in a business or finance discipline preferred
• 3 years of payroll tax experience, preferably in a multi-state environment
• Understanding of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations

Preferred Qualifications 

• Strong experience with third party payroll systems like Dayforce/Ceridian
• Experience using help desk or ticket management systems such as ServiceNow
   

Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Vacation Leave (15 days per year)
• Sick Leave (9 days per year)
• Holiday Leave (7 government holidays and 2 floating holidays)
• Professional Development
• Health Advocate
• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account

Any offer of employment may be contingent upon receipt of acceptable results from a post-offer background screening, if required for the specific position, which may include, for example, identity verification, employment history, motor vehicle driving record history, and criminal or sexual offender records history. Any background screening results will be evaluated through an individualized assessment based on the individual’s specific record and the duties and requirements of the position.

This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.

Employment Eligibility: This is a U.S.-based position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Westat does not offer employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) for this role. Depending on project requirements, some positions may require employees to meet specific residency criteria.

Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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