Senior Payroll Specialist Green Card Jobs
Senior Payroll Specialist roles qualify for employment-based green card sponsorship under EB-2 or EB-3, depending on your degree and the employer's requirements. PERM labor certification is the first filing step, and many payroll operations teams at mid-to-large employers have established sponsorship pipelines for this function.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
At MoFo, we couldn’t write our own success story without yours. Ready to write your story?
Join MoFo as a SENIOR PAYROLL SPECIALIST on our Financial Operations team!
This role can be based in San Francisco or Los Angeles.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Join a team where precision meets impact. As a Senior Payroll Specialist, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring seamless payroll operations across assigned pay cycles—from day-to-day processing to off-cycle runs. You’ll be the go-to person for delivering accurate, timely payroll while maintaining compliance across taxes, PTO, and leave records. Beyond execution, you’ll help elevate the function by troubleshooting issues, supporting teammates, and driving process improvements that enhance efficiency and client satisfaction. If you’re detail-driven, solutions-oriented, and take pride in getting payroll right every time, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
- Verify accuracy and reasonability of payroll data from multiple systems (e.g., Workday, 3E, WorkForce) and update the payroll database for non-interface changes
- Ensure all tax forms (e.g., W-4, questionnaires) are properly completed, maintained, and reflected in the payroll system
- Maintain correct wage reporting and tax withholding based on employee status, location, and pay structure
- Apply deep knowledge of payroll policies, pay group rules, and wage and hour regulations to ensure compliant processing
- Process regular and off-cycle payrolls, including auditing, reporting, and filing with a high degree of accuracy
- Administer garnishments end-to-end, including setup, calculations, communications, and payment disbursement
- Manage leave of absence tracking and calculations, applying complex policies and ensuring accurate pay treatment
- Process non-cash benefits, overtime, expenses, and deductions in compliance with firm policies and tax regulations
- Research, reconcile, and support payroll tax compliance, including complex and multi-jurisdictional taxation scenarios
- Provide responsive, confidential support to employees and stakeholders on payroll, tax, and leave-related inquiries while maintaining thorough documentation
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience) with 6+ years of multi-state and global payroll experience
- Deep knowledge of payroll regulations, including federal, state, and local wage and hour laws
- Strong understanding of multi-state and remote work tax reporting and withholding; expatriate payroll experience preferred
- Professional certification such as APA Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred
- Experience with integrated business systems, including Ascentis Payroll, WorkForce Software, Workday HCM, and Dayforce HCM
- Working knowledge of GDPR, California, and other applicable data privacy regulations
- Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to produce accurate, detailed work and partner effectively across teams
- Highly organized and dependable, with strong technical skills (spreadsheets/databases), sound judgment, confidentiality, and the ability to manage multiple priorities from start to finish
ABOUT MOFO
At MoFo, we collaborate as one firm, across borders, practice areas, and business functions and value fresh ideas and innovation over conformity and competition.
ABOUT OUR BENEFITS
MoFo offers a comprehensive benefits package starting on your first day.
- A variety of options for medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage to meet the needs of you and your family.
- Industry-leading parental leave and family benefits including adoption and fertility treatment options and backup child and elder care.
- Global wellness program, including free access to Talkspace and Calm apps.
- Annual community service day to make an impact on your community and a birthday holiday just for fun.
- Education reimbursement annually.
- Dedicated Talent Development team.
- Competitive annual profit-sharing contribution.
Where required by law, salary ranges are stated below. Additional compensation may include a discretionary bonus, overtime as applicable, health/welfare benefits, retirement contributions, paid holidays, and PTO. The range displayed is specifically for positions performed in those cities/states and may vary based on factors including but not limited to the following: local market data and ranges; an applicant's skills and prior relevant experience; and certain degrees, licensing, and certifications.
- San Francisco salary range: $104k to $145k
- Los Angeles salary range: $99k to $138k
For questions regarding this position, please e-mail jobs@mofo.com
INTRODUCTION
At MoFo, we couldn’t write our own success story without yours. Ready to write your story?
Join MoFo as a SENIOR PAYROLL SPECIALIST on our Financial Operations team!
This role can be based in San Francisco or Los Angeles.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Join a team where precision meets impact. As a Senior Payroll Specialist, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring seamless payroll operations across assigned pay cycles—from day-to-day processing to off-cycle runs. You’ll be the go-to person for delivering accurate, timely payroll while maintaining compliance across taxes, PTO, and leave records. Beyond execution, you’ll help elevate the function by troubleshooting issues, supporting teammates, and driving process improvements that enhance efficiency and client satisfaction. If you’re detail-driven, solutions-oriented, and take pride in getting payroll right every time, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
- Verify accuracy and reasonability of payroll data from multiple systems (e.g., Workday, 3E, WorkForce) and update the payroll database for non-interface changes
- Ensure all tax forms (e.g., W-4, questionnaires) are properly completed, maintained, and reflected in the payroll system
- Maintain correct wage reporting and tax withholding based on employee status, location, and pay structure
- Apply deep knowledge of payroll policies, pay group rules, and wage and hour regulations to ensure compliant processing
- Process regular and off-cycle payrolls, including auditing, reporting, and filing with a high degree of accuracy
- Administer garnishments end-to-end, including setup, calculations, communications, and payment disbursement
- Manage leave of absence tracking and calculations, applying complex policies and ensuring accurate pay treatment
- Process non-cash benefits, overtime, expenses, and deductions in compliance with firm policies and tax regulations
- Research, reconcile, and support payroll tax compliance, including complex and multi-jurisdictional taxation scenarios
- Provide responsive, confidential support to employees and stakeholders on payroll, tax, and leave-related inquiries while maintaining thorough documentation
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience) with 6+ years of multi-state and global payroll experience
- Deep knowledge of payroll regulations, including federal, state, and local wage and hour laws
- Strong understanding of multi-state and remote work tax reporting and withholding; expatriate payroll experience preferred
- Professional certification such as APA Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred
- Experience with integrated business systems, including Ascentis Payroll, WorkForce Software, Workday HCM, and Dayforce HCM
- Working knowledge of GDPR, California, and other applicable data privacy regulations
- Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to produce accurate, detailed work and partner effectively across teams
- Highly organized and dependable, with strong technical skills (spreadsheets/databases), sound judgment, confidentiality, and the ability to manage multiple priorities from start to finish
ABOUT MOFO
At MoFo, we collaborate as one firm, across borders, practice areas, and business functions and value fresh ideas and innovation over conformity and competition.
ABOUT OUR BENEFITS
MoFo offers a comprehensive benefits package starting on your first day.
- A variety of options for medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage to meet the needs of you and your family.
- Industry-leading parental leave and family benefits including adoption and fertility treatment options and backup child and elder care.
- Global wellness program, including free access to Talkspace and Calm apps.
- Annual community service day to make an impact on your community and a birthday holiday just for fun.
- Education reimbursement annually.
- Dedicated Talent Development team.
- Competitive annual profit-sharing contribution.
Where required by law, salary ranges are stated below. Additional compensation may include a discretionary bonus, overtime as applicable, health/welfare benefits, retirement contributions, paid holidays, and PTO. The range displayed is specifically for positions performed in those cities/states and may vary based on factors including but not limited to the following: local market data and ranges; an applicant's skills and prior relevant experience; and certain degrees, licensing, and certifications.
- San Francisco salary range: $104k to $145k
- Los Angeles salary range: $99k to $138k
For questions regarding this position, please e-mail jobs@mofo.com
See all 15+ Senior Payroll Specialist jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Senior Payroll Specialist roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Green Card Sponsorship as a Senior Payroll Specialist
Translate your payroll credentials into PERM language
PERM requires your employer to define the minimum requirements for your role. Document your degree field, any CPA or CPP certification, and specific payroll systems experience so the job description reflects your actual qualifications without overstating them.
Target employers with dedicated payroll departments
Companies processing payroll in-house across multiple states or entities are more likely to sponsor than those using outsourced payroll vendors. Look for postings that list multistate tax compliance, HRIS administration, or union payroll as core duties.
Search sponsoring employers using Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to filter Senior Payroll Specialist roles by employers with active EB-2 and EB-3 sponsorship history, so you spend time on applications where a PERM pathway already exists rather than negotiating it from scratch.
Verify the prevailing wage before your offer stage
DOL sets the prevailing wage for your role based on location and experience level using the OFLC Wage Search. Confirm your offered salary meets at least the Level II or Level III threshold before signing, since PERM filings are rejected if the wage falls short.
Ask about concurrent filing eligibility before accepting
If your priority date is current when the I-140 is approved, you can file I-485 adjustment of status concurrently. For Senior Payroll Specialists from most countries outside India and China, this can significantly compress the time to permanent residency.
Senior Payroll Specialist jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Senior Payroll Specialist JobsSenior Payroll Specialist Green Card Sponsorship: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Senior Payroll Specialist role qualify for EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship?
Most Senior Payroll Specialist positions qualify under EB-3 as a skilled worker or professional, since the role typically requires a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field plus meaningful work experience. EB-2 sponsorship is available if the employer can document that the position requires an advanced degree, which is less common for standard payroll roles but possible for senior or strategic-level positions at larger organizations.
How is the green card PERM process different from H-1B sponsorship for payroll roles?
H-1B is a temporary nonimmigrant visa subject to an annual lottery, with a maximum stay of six years for most holders. PERM-based green card sponsorship has no lottery, no annual cap concerns for EB-3 in most countries, and leads directly to permanent residency. The tradeoff is a longer process: PERM labor certification, I-140 petition, and I-485 adjustment of status can take two to four years or more, depending on your country of birth and DOL processing times.
What does the PERM labor certification process involve for a payroll employer?
PERM requires your employer to conduct a DOL-supervised recruitment campaign to demonstrate no qualified U.S. workers are available for the role. This includes job postings, newspaper ads, and internal notices over a defined period. Your employer then files the ETA-9089 with DOL, which currently takes several months to over a year to certify. You cannot file the I-140 immigrant petition until PERM is certified.
How do I find Senior Payroll Specialist jobs where the employer will actually sponsor a green card?
Migrate Mate lets you search specifically for Senior Payroll Specialist roles filtered by employers with documented EB-2 and EB-3 green card sponsorship history, so you can focus your search on companies already familiar with the PERM process rather than trying to convince an employer to sponsor for the first time.
Can a Certified Payroll Professional credential strengthen my EB-2 or EB-3 petition?
Yes. A CPP or FPC certification from the American Payroll Association can reinforce the employer's case that the role requires specialized skills, which supports both the job description in the PERM filing and the EB-2 or EB-3 classification. USCIS looks at whether the position genuinely requires the qualifications listed, so a recognized industry credential adds credibility to that argument.
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