Pinnacle Employee Services - PES

Payroll Tax Specialsit Remote - East Syracuse, NY $60,000 ‒ $70,000 Annually Position Overview: The Tax Specialist is responsible for the oversight, compliance, and execution of all tax-related functions within the organization. This position ensures accurate and timely payroll tax filings and payments, compliance with multi-jurisdictional tax regulations, and clear communication with clients regarding tax matters. The Tax Specialist works with the Tax Manager and Accounting Department and collaborates cross-functionally with client services, compliance, and payroll to ensure regulatory and operational excellence. This position can be remote or in-person. Key Responsibilities: Tax Compliance & Reporting • Prepare and file all federal, state, and local payroll tax returns and associated payments for multiple clients. • Ensure all tax payments are accurate, timely, and successfully cleared. • Prepare and file all required annual tax reporting (e.g., 940s, W-2s, 1099s, state reconciliations). • Maintain POAs (Power of Attorney) with all relevant tax authorities across jurisdictions. • Recalculate taxes as needed due to rate changes, corrections, or adjustments. • Prepare ad hoc reporting as needed to support internal or client requests. Client Communication & Support • Serve as the primary point of contact for client communication regarding tax notices and resolutions. • Guide clients through new state tax account setup, registration processes, and compliance requirements. • Prepare and deliver quarterly company tax packages to clients, including summaries of filings and payments. • Respond to client inquiries and assist with escalated or complex tax-related concerns. Audit, Reconciliation & Oversight • Review tax account details to identify anomalies, errors, and inconsistencies. • Reconcile tax liabilities monthly, quarterly, and annually. • Track and validate all outstanding tax liabilities to ensure completeness and accuracy. • Maintain accurate tax rate data in MasterTax and Prism systems. • Maintain up-to-date client tax billing rates in Prism and oversee data synchronization across systems. Strategy & Communication • Keep Tax Manager and senior leadership regularly updated on tax matters, trends, and risks. • Collaborate with the Accounting and Payroll Departments to resolve any tax issues that intersect with compliance requirements or filings. • Promote a culture of accountability, accuracy, and proactive problem-solving across the team. Research & Regulatory Monitoring • Research and resolve federal, state, and local tax notices and correspondence. • Stay current on federal, state, and local payroll tax laws and regulatory changes. • Assess the impact of new legislation or tax rulings on internal processes and client compliance requirements. Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field • 5+ years of progressive experience in payroll tax • In-depth knowledge of federal and state payroll tax laws and multi-state tax compliance. • Experience in a PEO or complex multi-client payroll environment strongly preferred. • Strong proficiency with tax systems such as MasterTax and PrismHR. • Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word. Teams and Outlook • Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills. • Excellent written and verbal communication, including client-facing experience. Key Competencies: • Strategic thinking and execution • Client service orientation • Regulatory compliance • Attention to detail • Data and system integrity