Payroll Specialist (Finance)

Location: Tucson, AZ (On-site)

About the Role

Ondas Sentinel is seeking a Payroll Specialist to join our Finance team in Tucson, Arizona. This position is responsible for the financial administration of payroll, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, compliance with federal and state regulations, payroll accounting, reconciliations, and internal controls. The Payroll Specialist will own payroll operations for the Tucson workforce while serving as backup support for payroll processing across other Ondas Sentinel locations as part of a shared Finance services model.

This role partners closely with Accounting, Human Resources, and leadership to ensure payroll data is accurate, financial records are complete, and payroll processes support the organization's financial reporting and compliance objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end financial execution of payroll processing for the Tucson workforce, including payroll data validation, timekeeping review, pre-processing audits, payroll processing, post-processing reconciliations, and payroll funding.

• Serve as the documented backup and surge support for payroll processing across other Ondas Sentinel locations as part of the Finance shared-services model.

• Ensure compliance with federal, multi-state, and local payroll tax regulations, including payroll tax deposits, filings, W-2 preparation, year-end processing, and resolution of agency notices.

• Process payroll-related deductions, including benefits, 401(k) contributions, garnishments, PTO accruals, and expense reimbursements, while ensuring accurate financial reporting and reconciliation.

• Prepare payroll journal entries, labor distribution files, payroll accruals, and supporting schedules for the monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial close.

• Reconcile payroll accounts to the general ledger and partner with Accounting to resolve discrepancies and ensure accurate financial reporting.

• Maintain and strengthen payroll internal controls in accordance with SOX requirements, including segregation of duties, approval workflows, audit documentation, and compliance with company policies.

• Support internal and external audit requests by providing complete, accurate, and audit-ready payroll documentation.

• Develop and maintain payroll accounting procedures, reconciliation processes, and cross-training documentation to support operational continuity and shared-services readiness.

• Collaborate with Accounting, Human Resources, and employees to resolve payroll discrepancies while maintaining confidentiality and financial accuracy.

• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, automate manual activities, and enhance payroll accuracy and efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• Three (3) or more years of experience managing end-to-end payroll processing, including multi-state payroll.

• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and year-end payroll reporting requirements.

• Experience with a major payroll and HRIS platform; Paycor experience preferred.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including PivotTables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, and data analysis.

• Demonstrated experience preparing payroll journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting monthly financial close activities.

• Strong understanding of payroll accounting principles, internal controls, and financial reporting.

• Ability to handle confidential payroll and compensation information with professionalism and discretion.

• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.

• Experience working within a public company or SOX-controlled environment.

• Experience supporting government contractor payroll, labor distribution, or DCAA-compliant timekeeping.

• Experience supporting multiple business entities or locations through a centralized payroll function.

• Experience working with ERP systems such as NetSuite, Oracle, SAP, or Microsoft Dynamics is a plus.

What Success Looks Like

First 90 Days

• Successfully assume ownership of Tucson payroll following documented training and parallel processing.

• Develop a strong understanding of payroll accounting, internal controls, and month-end close processes.

• Establish effective working relationships with Accounting, HR, and Finance leadership.

By Year-End 2026

• Maintain fully documented payroll procedures and reconciliation processes.

• Successfully support the cross-location payroll backup model.

• Ensure payroll operations are fully prepared for the January 1, 2027 shared-services transition.

Ongoing

• Deliver accurate and timely payroll processing with zero missed payroll deadlines.

• Complete payroll journal entries and reconciliations accurately and on schedule to support monthly financial close.

• Maintain strong SOX-compliant internal controls and audit-ready documentation.

• Identify and implement continuous process improvements that enhance payroll accuracy, efficiency, and financial reporting.