Senior Payroll Specialist

Thanks for your interest in Success Academy! Running a large, fast-growing, and high-performing network of public charter schools takes a village - families, children, teachers, staff and faculty, advocates, and supporters alike. We are growing fast in New York and expanding to Florida, and we would love to welcome you to our community! We work tirelessly every day to ensure children have access to a fun, rigorous, whole-child education regardless of zip code or economic status. When you join SA, you play a part in giving every student who walks through our doors a fair shot at reaching his or her potential.

About the Role

The Senior Payroll Analyst leads the execution, audit, and continuous improvement of multi-state payroll operations for a complex, diverse workforce. Positioned as a technical lead working alongside payroll associates and reporting into HR and Finance leadership, this senior role serves as the primary Subject Matter Expert (SME) for both ADP Workforce Now and Workday Payroll platforms. By maintaining rigorous alignment with multi-state tax regulations, driving automated system optimizations, and leading complex cross-functional initiatives, this role safeguards organizational compliance and financial integrity at scale.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead multi-state payroll operations: Oversee the end-to-end processing, validation, and execution of complex bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payrolls across all employment types using ADP Workforce Now and Workday Payroll.
• Drive financial integrity & reconciliations: Direct advanced pre- and post-payroll audits, monthly general ledger account reconciliations, and journal entry preparations to ensure complete data accuracy and compliance with internal controls.
• Architect & optimize system configurations: Serve as the lead SME for ADP and Workday Payroll, driving platform setup, workflow automations, third-party integrations, and system updates to maximize operational efficiency.
• Manage regulatory compliance & audits: Direct multi-state tax compliance, manage quarterly/year-end government filings (including 941s and W-2s), and serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external payroll audits.
• Partner cross-functionally on strategic projects: Collaborate with HR, Finance, IT, and external vendors to manage high-level escalations and lead initiatives such as M&A integrations and policy rollouts.
• Mentor team members & establish SOPs: Develop comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs), maintain functional documentation, and provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior payroll team members.

Qualifications

• 7 to 10+ years of progressive multi-state payroll processing and administration experience in complex organizations.
• Advanced hands-on proficiency and administrative experience with ADP Workforce Now.
• Deep functional and technical expertise in Workday Payroll, including system configuration, custom reporting, and integration management.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation strongly preferred.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field required.

Competencies

• Strategic System Ownership: Leverages deep expertise in ADP and Workday to streamline technical workflows, automate manual processes, and architect scalable payroll rules.
• Analytical & Audit Leadership: Applies rigorous detail and systematic problem-solving to uncover complex payroll discrepancies, audit general ledger activity, and ensure financial accuracy.
• Regulatory & Tax Mastery: Maintains authoritative knowledge of federal, state, and local labor laws and tax regulations, keeping organizational operations continuously audit-ready.
• Cross-Functional Influence & Mentorship: Builds collaborative relationships with leaders across HR, Finance, and IT while serving as a trusted technical mentor to team members.

Compensation, Benefits, & Perks

At Success Academy, we invest boldly in our Network team with a comprehensive package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being:

• Day-One Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting your first day (SA covers 82% of our core medical plan), plus a free One Medical membership and confidential mental health support via EAP/Talkspace.
• Financial Security: 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% employer match, up to $2,400/year in employer HSA contributions, employer-paid life/disability insurance, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility.
• Time to Recharge: Generous paid time off, paid holidays, and paid parental leave.
• Perks & Stipends: A $50/month cellphone stipend ($600/year), pre-tax commuter benefits, backup family care, and performance-based earning incentives.

This is a hybrid position based in our NYC Financial District office, requiring on-site work Tuesday through Thursday and remote work on Monday and Friday.

Exact compensation may vary based on skills and experience. This position is not bonus eligible.

Compensation Range

$100,000—$125,000 USD

Success Academy Charter Schools is an equal opportunity employer and actively encourages applications from people of all backgrounds. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. Success Academy offers a full benefits program and opportunities for professional growth.

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We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We actively seek applications from people of all backgrounds to strengthen our community and the perspectives needed to flourish in a multicultural world. Success Academy offers a full benefits program and opportunities for professional growth.

Success Academy Charter Schools does not offer employment-based immigration sponsorship.