Description
Specialize in payroll tax compliance, reporting, and reconciliation. Calculate and remit federal, state, and local payroll taxes; prepare and file periodic and year-end returns; maintain tax setups and registrations. Resolve tax discrepancies and notices, ensure accurate withholding and reporting, and support audits and payroll close.
- • Calculate and remit federal, state, and local payroll taxes each pay cycle.
- • Prepare, review, and file quarterly and annual payroll tax returns (941, 940, state withholding, SUI).
- • Reconcile payroll tax balances to the general ledger and bank statements.
- • Balance quarterly and year-end wages, taxes, and deductions to payroll registers and returns.
- • Generate, review, and distribute Forms W-2/W-3 and corrections (W-2c).
- • Monitor and implement changes to payroll tax laws, rates, and wage bases.
- • Maintain tax agency registrations, SUI accounts, and power-of-attorney documents.
- • Maintain employee and company tax setups, jurisdictions, and taxability rules in the payroll system.
- • Research and resolve payroll tax discrepancies, notices, and penalties with tax agencies.
- • Prepare amended returns and prior-period tax adjustments.
- • Ensure timely electronic tax deposits and filings.
- • Support internal and external payroll tax audits with schedules and documentation.
- • Record and reconcile payroll tax journal entries and accruals.
- • Validate taxable wages, pre-tax deductions, and fringe benefit taxation with Payroll.
- • Manage multi-state and local withholding for remote and traveling employees.
- • Provide guidance to employees on Form W-4 elections and payroll tax questions.
- • Maintain payroll tax calendars, documentation, and compliance controls.
- • Validate tax vendor files and interfaces (EFTPS, state portals, third-party remitters).
- • Process year-end fringe and special tax items (e.g., GTL, relocation, bonus gross-ups).
- • Compile payroll tax reports and metrics for Finance, HR, and management.
- • Register new state and local tax accounts as business needs expand.
Related specializations
Interview options
Interview options
Interviewee gender
Interviewee accent
Interview time
Related Pathways
Management & Entrepreneurship
View
Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
Learn more
Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
