Green Card Senior Payroll Specialist 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
Hiring Salary: $45,000.00-$55,000.00/annually
The Payroll Accountant is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of retirement payroll data reported to the Florida Retirement System (FRS). This position performs detailed reconciliations between payroll and human resources data within the ERP system and retirement submissions made to FRS on both a bi-weekly and monthly basis. The role serves as the primary point of contact for identifying, researching, correcting, and resolving reporting discrepancies, submission errors, and member data issues to ensure compliance with FRS reporting requirements. The position also provides support for financial reporting, fiscal year-end close activities, and external audit requests related to payroll and retirement accounting.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Retirement Reporting & Reconciliation
- Reconcile retirement payroll data between ERP systems and Florida Retirement System (FRS) submissions to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Review, analyze, and correct retirement reporting discrepancies, adjustments, and submission errors.
- Monitor retirement-related reconciliations and maintain supporting documentation.
Compliance & Data Integrity
- Ensure compliance with FRS reporting requirements and applicable policies and procedures.
- Perform reviews and quality control procedures to support the accuracy and integrity of retirement and payroll data.
- Identify and recommend process improvements to enhance reporting accuracy and efficiency.
Issue Resolution & Stakeholder Support
- Serve as the primary point of contact for retirement reporting inquiries and discrepancy resolution.
- Collaborate with Payroll, Human Resources, Benefits, Accounting, and external agencies to resolve data and reporting issues.
- Provide guidance and support regarding retirement reporting and payroll accounting matters.
Financial Reporting & Audit Support
- Prepare reconciliations, schedules, and supporting documentation for fiscal year-end close and annual financial reporting.
- Respond to requests from external auditors, state auditors, and regulatory agencies and provide supporting documentation as needed.
- Support audit activities and the implementation of corrective actions related to payroll and retirement accounting processes.
Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain records, procedures, and documentation supporting retirement reporting, reconciliations, compliance activities, and audit requirements.
- Prepare management reports and analyses related to retirement reporting and payroll accounting activities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and one year of related experience, or a Master’s degree in Accounting or Business Administration (with appropriate Accounting preparation and coursework). The bachelor’s degree is a minimum educational requirement for this position, and cannot be waived.
PREFERRED TECHNICAL SKILLS
- ERP and HRIS systems proficiency.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Data analysis, reconciliation, and reporting.
PREFERRED SOFT SKILLS
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
- Effective written and verbal communication.
- Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Customer service and issue-resolution skills.
Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.
- Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
- SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
- A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
- (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
- (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
- (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
- (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
- (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree.
- Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
- Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.
ABOUT USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference.
WORKING AT USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
COMPLIANCE AND FEDERAL NOTICES
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
INTRODUCTION
Hiring Salary: $45,000.00-$55,000.00/annually
The Payroll Accountant is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of retirement payroll data reported to the Florida Retirement System (FRS). This position performs detailed reconciliations between payroll and human resources data within the ERP system and retirement submissions made to FRS on both a bi-weekly and monthly basis. The role serves as the primary point of contact for identifying, researching, correcting, and resolving reporting discrepancies, submission errors, and member data issues to ensure compliance with FRS reporting requirements. The position also provides support for financial reporting, fiscal year-end close activities, and external audit requests related to payroll and retirement accounting.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Retirement Reporting & Reconciliation
- Reconcile retirement payroll data between ERP systems and Florida Retirement System (FRS) submissions to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Review, analyze, and correct retirement reporting discrepancies, adjustments, and submission errors.
- Monitor retirement-related reconciliations and maintain supporting documentation.
Compliance & Data Integrity
- Ensure compliance with FRS reporting requirements and applicable policies and procedures.
- Perform reviews and quality control procedures to support the accuracy and integrity of retirement and payroll data.
- Identify and recommend process improvements to enhance reporting accuracy and efficiency.
Issue Resolution & Stakeholder Support
- Serve as the primary point of contact for retirement reporting inquiries and discrepancy resolution.
- Collaborate with Payroll, Human Resources, Benefits, Accounting, and external agencies to resolve data and reporting issues.
- Provide guidance and support regarding retirement reporting and payroll accounting matters.
Financial Reporting & Audit Support
- Prepare reconciliations, schedules, and supporting documentation for fiscal year-end close and annual financial reporting.
- Respond to requests from external auditors, state auditors, and regulatory agencies and provide supporting documentation as needed.
- Support audit activities and the implementation of corrective actions related to payroll and retirement accounting processes.
Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain records, procedures, and documentation supporting retirement reporting, reconciliations, compliance activities, and audit requirements.
- Prepare management reports and analyses related to retirement reporting and payroll accounting activities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and one year of related experience, or a Master’s degree in Accounting or Business Administration (with appropriate Accounting preparation and coursework). The bachelor’s degree is a minimum educational requirement for this position, and cannot be waived.
PREFERRED TECHNICAL SKILLS
- ERP and HRIS systems proficiency.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Data analysis, reconciliation, and reporting.
PREFERRED SOFT SKILLS
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
- Effective written and verbal communication.
- Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Customer service and issue-resolution skills.
Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.
- Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
- SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
- A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
- (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
- (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
- (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
- (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
- (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree.
- Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
- Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.
ABOUT USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference.
WORKING AT USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
COMPLIANCE AND FEDERAL NOTICES
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
See all 322+ Green Card Senior Payroll Specialist Jobs
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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.
Understand why EB-3 avoids the H-1B lottery problem
Unlike H-1B visa, EB-3 green card sponsorship has no annual lottery and no cap concerns for most nationalities. Your employer files PERM and I-140 directly, and the process runs on a deterministic timeline rather than a random selection event.
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.
Green Card Senior Payroll Specialist: 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.