Sr. U.S. Payroll Specialist

About IBISWorld

Where industry intelligence is going next, and who's building it

For over five decades, the world's most sophisticated institutions have relied on IBISWorld to navigate uncertainty, identify opportunity and stay ahead of change. Banks, consulting firms, governments: when the stakes are high and the answer has to be right, they come to us.

That trust is our legacy, and it's our starting point. We're advancing beyond traditional research into AI-enabled, actionable intelligence, embedding human-verified insight directly into the workflows our clients live in so they can see further and decide faster. The ground is shifting in our industry, and we are the ones moving it.

You'd be joining at the most exciting moment to do so.

The Role

We're looking for an experienced payroll professional to own US payroll end to end. You'll be our go-to payroll expert: running accurate payroll across 18 states in ADP Workforce Now, keeping us compliant, and making sure every payroll ties cleanly to the general ledger.

This is a hands-on role with real autonomy. We're looking for someone who will take full ownership of US payroll: anticipating issues, thinking through the right solution to problems, and bringing clear recommendations forward. You'll also have the scope to improve how things work, from processes and controls to system setup. You'll also act as backup and reviewer for our UK, Germany and Australia payrolls, partnering with our other payroll specialist.

What You'll Own

US payroll operations

• Run bi-weekly, multi-state payroll for exempt and non-exempt employees in ADP Workforce Now, from data intake through final approval
• Own pre and post payroll reconciliations and audits, resolving variances before funds are released
• Process all pay components: base pay, overtime, commissions and bonuses, leave, off-cycle and final pay in line with state-specific pay timing rules
• Administer benefit and retirement deductions, enrollments and terminations in partnership with HR, and reconcile 401(k) contributions and remittances

Tax and compliance

• Own payroll tax compliance: state and local registrations as we hire in new states, multi-state withholding including work-location tracking, oversight of ADP tax filings, agency notices and the year-end W-2 process
• Monitor federal, state and local wage-and-hour and payroll tax changes (including California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Washington), confirm they're reflected correctly in ADP, and update internal processes accordingly
• File quarterly workers' compensation reports with Washington State Labor & Industries
• Lead the annual 401(k) plan audit, preparing payroll, census and contribution data, partnering with HR and coordinating with auditors and the plan administrator
• Maintain payroll records, controls and documentation, and act as the primary payroll contact for financial and other audits

Accounting and reporting

• Prepare payroll journal entries and accruals for month-end close, and reconcile payroll-related balance sheet accounts in NetSuite
• Deliver payroll reporting and analysis for Finance, HR and leadership

International payroll support and process improvement

• Provide backup coverage and second-level review for our UK, Germany and Australia payrolls, working with our international payroll specialist and in-country providers
• Document and continuously improve payroll procedures, controls and system configuration, including automation opportunities
• Manage ADP relationship and escalations, and own benefit data flows between ADP and our benefits providers, ensuring elections and deductions stay consistent and reconciled
• Serve as the trusted point of contact for employees, HR and Finance on payroll questions

What You Bring

• 5+ years of US multi-state payroll experience, including full ownership of the payroll cycle
• Expert-level ADP Workforce Now (or comparable enterprise payroll platform)
• Deep knowledge of federal and multi-state wage-and-hour and payroll tax rules, including state paid leave programs and local taxes, especially in the New York Tri-State area, California, Massachusetts and Washington
• A proven track record of owning payroll end to end, including diagnosing problems, identifying root causes and recommending solutions
• Highly organized, with critical thinking to see how a process could work better and the initiative to fix it
• Solid accounting foundation: general ledger, journal entries and reconciliations
• Advanced Excel skills and comfort moving large data sets between systems
• Sound judgment and discretion with confidential information
• Clear, confident communication with employees and senior leaders alike

Nice to have

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)
• NetSuite experience
• Experience supporting 401(k) plan audits
• International payroll experience (UK, Germany, Australia)

Compensation: $95,000 - $110,000 base salary, plus benefits

Equal Opportunity Employer

IBISWorld provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetics or any other characteristic protected by law. In addition to federal law requirements, IBISWorld complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location where the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the New York City Fair Chance Act and applicable state and local laws.