Payroll Specialist I, II, III or Senior

The Senior Payroll Specialist performs advanced payroll processing, compliance, reconciliation, and problem resolution activities to support accurate and timely payroll operations. This role serves as the most senior operational specialist within payroll and works closely with the Payroll Analyst and Payroll Manager to support payroll execution, issue resolution, and operational readiness. The Senior Payroll Specialist independently handles the most complex payroll transactions, performs payroll testing activities, and provides functional guidance and support to Payroll Specialists while remaining focused on operational excellence rather than formal team leadership.

Note: There is one position available, and this position will be filled at one of four job grade levels: Payroll Specialist I; job grade 4; Payroll Specialist II, job grade 5; Payroll Specialist III; job grade 6 or Senior Payroll Specialist; job grade 7. This decision will be based on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate and Tri-State business needs at the time of hire.

Tri-State recognizes the value of a highly engaged and committed workforce and provides an excellent benefits program that includes : Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Flexible Work Schedules including compressed work week and telecommuting opportunities to work remotely up to 40%, Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Tuition Reimbursement, Life Insurance, Retirement Option, Long Term Disability (LTD), Short Term Disability (STD), Employee Assistant Program (EAP) and Paid Leave Benefits.

Senior Payroll Specialist 

Hiring Salary Range: $80,000-$99,000

Payroll Specialist III

Hiring Salary Range: $72,000-$88,000

Payroll Specialist II

Hiring Salary Range: $64,000-$79,000

Payroll Specialist I

Hiring Salary Range: $58,000-$70,000

Actual compensation offer to candidate may vary outside of the posted hiring salary range based upon work experience, education and/or skill level.

• Perform advanced payroll processing activities, including complex adjustments, off‑cycle payments, retroactive transactions, manual checks, reversals, and special payments, ensuring accuracy and compliance with established deadlines.
• Review and maintain employee payroll master data, including tax withholdings, direct deposit updates, deductions, and benefit‑related changes, validating transactions initiated through employee or manager self‑service workflows.
• Prepare, review, and support federal, state, and local payroll tax filings, quarter‑end activities, year‑end processing, W‑2 reporting, and other required payroll compliance submissions.
• Research and resolve complex payroll issues involving tax treatment, garnishments, overpayments, final pay, leave impacts, and multi‑jurisdiction requirements.
• Prepare and review payroll liability reconciliations, balancing activities, funding support, and payroll‑related accounting outputs to ensure results are accurate and complete.
• Run, review, and interpret payroll audit reports and exception reports to identify discrepancies requiring correction or escalation.
• Perform payroll system, tax update, interface, and process‑change testing by executing test scenarios, validating results, documenting outcomes, and escalating issues as appropriate.
• Serve as a senior functional resource for Payroll Specialists by providing guidance, coaching, and technical support related to payroll processes, controls, and issue resolution.
• Partner with Payroll Analysts, HR, Benefits, Finance, and other functional areas regarding payroll inputs, deductions, reporting, and issue resolution.
• Support payroll operational readiness by providing backup coverage for critical payroll activities and assisting with year‑end and special payroll cycles as needed.
• Maintain payroll procedures, documentation, and audit support files to strengthen internal controls, consistency, and compliance.
• Maintain compliance with company policies and applicable payroll regulations, laws, standards, and best practices.
• Because Tri‑State is an electric utility with continuous service obligations to its customers, regular, reliable, and predictable performance of the essential functions and responsibilities is an essential function of the job including the ability to work overtime as needed.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead or support complex payroll operational projects, testing efforts, and process improvements as assigned. 
• Provide advanced operational support during year‑end activities, audits, and special payroll cycles. 
• Serve as backup support for critical payroll functions as needed. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education and Training

• Associate’s degree in Accounting or related discipline; advanced coursework or continued professional development preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Ability:

• Advanced knowledge of payroll processing, payroll tax requirements, reconciliations, and internal controls. 

• Strong knowledge of payroll systems, interfaces, and testing activities. 

• Advanced proficiency in Excel, payroll systems, and payroll reporting tools. 

• Ability to independently resolve the most complex payroll issues and transactions. 

• Ability to perform payroll system and tax update testing and validate results. 

• Ability to provide senior‑level technical guidance and operational support to payroll staff. 

• Ability to exercise strong judgment, prioritize work, and maintain confidentiality.

Experience:

• Eight (8) or more years of progressive payroll experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Note: The above requirements describe the experience and education qualifications for the Senior Payroll Specialist. Those with less experience will be hired at the I, II or III job grade level.

Other:

• Willingness to provide advanced operational support during critical payroll cycles, audits, and system changes.

• Commitment to continuous professional development to maintain deep payroll expertise and operational excellence. 

• Flexibility to adapt to regulatory, system, or business changes affecting payroll operations.

DESIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced knowledge of payroll compliance, internal controls, and complex reconciliations. 

• Experience supporting payroll audits, system testing, or process improvements. 

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred.