Senior Specialist, Payroll (Hybrid - Rahway, NJ)

Role: Senior Payroll Specialist overseeing US and Puerto Rico payroll operations, ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely processing. Objectives include managing payroll production, governance, vendor relationships, and process enhancements within a biopharma context supporting diverse employee populations and organizational changes. Responsibilities encompass payroll processing, compliance with federal/state regulations, liaising with ADP, managing audits and controls, overseeing tax and garnishment administration, and leading payroll transformation initiatives leveraging automation and AI. The role involves collaboration with HR, Finance, Tax, Legal, Internal Audit, and external vendors, supporting mergers and acquisitions, and maintaining SOX compliance. Requirements include a Bachelor's degree (or ongoing), 6+ years experience supporting payroll operations, especially in outsourced environments, with expertise in US and Puerto Rico payroll regulations, ADP systems, and payroll accounting. Preferred skills include process improvement, automation, vendor governance, and experience handling complex organizational changes. High-value aspects: biopharma employee base, US/PR payroll regulations, payroll transformation projects, and cross-functional stakeholder engagement. Work setup: hybrid in the US with approximately 10% travel.