Payroll Specialist [Finance]

Ondas Sentinel is seeking aPayroll Specialistto join our Finance team in Tucson Arizona. This positionis responsible forthe financial administration of payroll ensuringaccurateandtimelypayroll 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 isaccurate financial records are complete and payroll processes support the organizations financial reporting and complianceobjectives.

• 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 ensuringaccuratefinancial 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 withAccountingto resolve discrepancies and ensureaccuratefinancial reporting.

• Maintain and strengthen payroll internal controlsin accordance withSOX requirements including segregation of duties approval workflows audit documentation and compliance with company policies.

• Support internal and external audit requests by providing completeaccurate and audit-ready payroll documentation.

• Develop andmaintainpayroll accounting procedures reconciliation processes and cross-training documentation to support operational continuity and shared-servicesreadiness.

• Collaborate with Accounting Human Resources and employees to resolve payroll discrepancies whilemaintainingconfidentiality and financial accuracy.

• Identifyopportunities to improve payroll processes automate manual activities and enhance payroll accuracy and efficiency.

• 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.

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

• Bachelors 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.

• 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.

• 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 12027shared-services transition.

• Deliveraccurateandtimelypayroll 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.

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