Payroll Tax Administrator II

Payroll Tax Specialist UDR is seeking a Payroll Tax Specialist to join our Payroll team. This role is ideal for an experienced payroll professional who brings strong expertise in payroll tax compliance, multi-state taxation, reconciliations, reporting, and regulatory requirements . You’ll serve as a key resource for payroll tax while remaining connected to the broader payroll function, partnering across Payroll, HR, HRIS, Benefits, Finance, and Accounting. What You’ll Do Tax Filing: Oversee the tax service vendor who will prepare, review, and file quarterly and annual federal, state, and local payroll tax returns. Compliance Management: Monitor changing tax laws to ensure corporate policies remain fully compliant. Issue Resolution: Investigate and resolve tax notices, tracer letters, and penalties from tax authorities. Account Reconciliation: Reconcile payroll tax accounts against the general ledger each month. Year-End Processing: Lead year-end payroll tasks, including W-2 verification, correction, and distribution. System Maintenance: Update tax rates and configurations within the payroll software. Audit Support: Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external payroll tax audits. Support as needed the regular duties associated with the overall preparation, generation, and distribution of the Company’s bi-weekly and weekly payrolls; to include but are not limited to: Process requests submitted via the UKG ticketing system or to the payroll team email box. Respond to associates and their managers regarding inquiries about their paychecks including payroll calculations and deductions. Investigate payroll problems and make appropriate corrections when necessary. Prepare and distribute final payment of wages per state laws and severance checks per the agreement provided by human resources. Collaborate with cross functional partners in human resources (primarily benefits and HRIS) and finance/accounting teams to ensure accurate records are kept. Assists with special projects within the payroll department. Create and/or prepare various payroll reports, participate in audits, and other payroll related projects. Performs other duties as assigned. Performance Requirements Knowledge of organizational policies and procedures. Knowledge of UDR Company policies and procedures. Ability to apply policies and procedures to solve everyday Company issues or seek advice. Demonstrated knowledge and experience with payroll policies and procedures. Strong payroll management skills. Ability to exercise initiative, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Knowledge of payroll policies and procedures. Ability to calculate figures and amounts. Ability to define and explain problems to the team. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple projects simultaneously to meet critical deadlines. Ability to maintain strictest level of confidentiality. Advanced interpersonal skills supporting the ability to work in conjunction with Company managers and associates. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to respond to common inquiries. Ability to effectively present information to senior management. Physical Demands Occasionally lifting items weighing up to 10 lbs. Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, copy/scan/fax machine, calculator, etc. Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate reports. Extensive data input and required ability to sit for long periods of time. Regular and consistent attendance on the job is an essential function. Typical Working Conditions Normal office environment. In-office hybrid 3x week. Rare evening or weekend work. Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business administration or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience required. Minimum of four to six years of experience in payroll administration. Minimum 3 years of experience in payroll tax. Solid understanding and demonstrated success of automated tax filing systems and multi-state tax reciprocity rules. Proficiency with MS Office Suite and HRIS systems (e.g., UKG, ADP, Workday, or similar platforms). UKG experience is a plus. Intermediate Excel skills, including VLOOKUP and Pivot Tables Certification Should possess the Fundamentals of Payroll Certification (FPC) or be willing to obtain it within your first one to two years with UDR. If the FPC is already attained, then work towards the Certified Payroll Practitioner (CPP). Company support provided. Preferred Skills Attention to detail: Accuracy is critical in payroll processing requiring a strong focus on detail. Strong analytical skills Communication: Payroll administrators must be able to effectively communicate with associates, managers, and HR. Organizational Skills: The ability to manage multiple shifting priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Knowledge of Payroll Laws and Regulations: a solid understanding of relevant federal, state, and local laws is crucial. Benefits Offered Medical, Dental, Vision Plans Medical Flexible Spending Account Dependent Care Spending Account Lifestyle Spending Account Supplemental Term Life Insurance Critical Illness Plan Supplemental Short-Term Disability Insurance / AD&D Insurance Voluntary Long Term Care Insurance 401(k) Plan with company match Salary Range $74,677.67/yr. – $87,856.08/yr., depending on experience Bonus Potential Eligible for 10% annual bonus potential, based on personal and company performance UDR is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. 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. UDR is committed to providing and maintaining a diverse workforce and an inclusive work environment with equitable access and opportunity for associates to participate, grow, and reach their full potential.