Sr. Payroll Specialist

Company: Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
Location: Baltimore
Posted on: February 16, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Position Summary: The Sr. Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of bi-weekly payroll for the organization. This role serves as the primary subject-matter expert for payroll operations, ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, and overseeing payroll-related reporting, audits, and system enhancements. The position partners closely with Human Resources, Finance, and external vendors to support payroll accuracy, benefits deductions, tax filings, and employee inquiries while maintaining the highest level of confidentiality and internal control. Key Duties and Responsibilities: Payroll Processing & Compliance Process bi-weekly payroll to ensure employees are paid accurately and on time. Ensure payroll operations comply with all federal, state, and local tax laws and employment regulations. Review and validate wage calculations, tax withholdings, benefit deductions, and other payroll adjustments. Process and remit garnishments, child support orders, and other court-ordered deductions in accordance with legal requirements. Serve as the primary contact for payroll tax notices and resolve issues as needed. Benefits & Deductions Administer payroll-related benefit deductions, including 403(b), HSA, union dues, and other applicable programs. Coordinate with HR on employee changes such as hires, terminations, compensation changes, and benefit elections. Support new hire onboarding related to payroll and retirement plan enrollment, including system and provider portal entry. Reporting, Audits & Year-End Activities Prepare and review payroll-related reports on a monthly, quarterly, annual, and ad hoc basis. Reconcile quarterly Form 941 filings, unemployment reports, and annual ACA reporting. Manage year-end payroll processes, including W-2 preparation and audit support. Participate in internal and external audits, grants reporting, and compliance reviews related to payroll. Systems, Controls & Process Improvement Maintain payroll policies, procedures, and documentation to support internal controls and audit readiness. Partner with HR and Finance on payroll system updates, configurations, and upgrades. Identify opportunities for process improvement, efficiency, and risk mitigation within payroll operations. Employee Support Respond to employee payroll inquiries with professionalism, accuracy, and discretion. Research and resolve payroll discrepancies in a timely manner. Perform other related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications: Associate’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Five to seven (5–7) years of progressive payroll experience, preferably in a complex or multi-entity environment. Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations. Proficiency with payroll systems (ADP preferred) and Microsoft Excel. Demonstrated ability to manage high-volume, deadline-driven payroll processes with accuracy and attention to detail. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment. Preferred Qualifications : Seven to ten (7–10) years of payroll experience. Experience with union payroll, multi-state payroll, or nonprofit organizations. Experience supporting audits, grants, or regulatory reporting. Advanced Excel skills and payroll reconciliation experience. Benefits & Perks: Comprehensive Health Coverage: Two low-cost medical plan options for employees. Employer-Paid Insurance: Dental, life, and long-term disability insurance are fully covered by the BSO. Generous Paid Time Off: Includes ample vacation, personal, and sick leave. Financial Wellness & Retirement: 403(b) Retirement Plan Health Savings Account (HSA) Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for Dependent Care Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Exclusive BSO Perks: Complimentary or discounted tickets to BSO performances. About the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra For over a century, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) has been recognized as one of America’s leading orchestras and one of Maryland’s most significant cultural institutions. The orchestra is internationally renowned and locally admired for its innovation, performances, recordings, and educational outreach initiatives, including OrchKids. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performs annually for more than 275,000 people throughout the State of Maryland. Since 1982, the BSO has performed at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore, and since 2005, with the opening of The Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, MD, the BSO became the nation’s first orchestra performing its full season of classical and pops concerts in two metropolitan areas. In July 2022, the BSO made history with the announcement that Jonathon Heyward would succeed Music Director Laureate and OrchKids Founder Marin Alsop as the Orchestra’s next Music Director. Maestro Heyward began his inaugural season in September 2023. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is a proud member of the League of American Orchestras. More information about the BSO can be found at www.bsomusic.org. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is an Equal Opportunity Employer The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and OrchKids do not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, differing physical abilities, genetic information, age, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors. EEO is the Law: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023 -06/22- 088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf Monday-Friday/ 9am-5pm 7 hour work days

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