H-1B Visa Senior Payroll Specialist Jobs
Senior Payroll Specialist roles qualify for H-1B sponsorship under the specialty occupation standard, typically requiring a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Employers filing LCAs for payroll positions must meet DOL prevailing wage requirements, and cap-subject petitions enter the annual lottery each April.
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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 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 H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Senior Payroll Specialist
Verify your degree matches payroll requirements
USCIS scrutinizes specialty occupation claims for payroll roles. A degree in accounting, finance, human resources, or business administration directly supports the petition. A general studies degree without relevant coursework can trigger an RFE, so gather transcripts and credential evaluations before applying.
Target employers with active LCA filing histories
Search Migrate Mate to identify companies that have filed Labor Condition Applications for payroll and compensation roles. Employers with repeat LCA filings for your SOC code signal an established H-1B sponsorship process, not a one-off hire.
Check prevailing wage levels before negotiating offers
Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the prevailing wage for payroll specialists in your target metro area. Your offered salary must meet at least the Level I wage for your experience tier, and knowing the thresholds lets you negotiate without jeopardizing the LCA certification.
Clarify payroll system expertise in your petition
H-1B petitions for payroll roles succeed when job duties are tied to specialized software and compliance functions, such as multi-state tax processing or HRIS configuration. Document your hands-on experience with enterprise payroll platforms in your support letter to strengthen the specialty occupation argument.
Understand the 60-day grace period when switching employers
If your current H-1B employer terminates your role, you have a 60-day grace period to find a new sponsor and have an H-1B transfer petition filed. The new employer can file the transfer petition, allowing you to start work upon receipt rather than waiting for approval.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting an offer
All H-1B employers must be E-Verify participants. Before signing an offer for a Senior Payroll Specialist role, confirm the company is enrolled, because an employer that isn't enrolled cannot legally employ H-1B workers and will face delays or invalidation of the petition.
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Find Senior Payroll Specialist JobsSenior Payroll Specialist H-1B Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Senior Payroll Specialist role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, provided the employer requires at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field such as accounting, finance, or human resources management. If the job description accepts any bachelor's degree regardless of field, USCIS may issue an RFE challenging the specialty occupation classification. A tightly scoped job description tied to technical payroll compliance functions strengthens the petition significantly.
Which employers sponsor H-1B visas for payroll specialist roles?
Large enterprises with in-house payroll departments, payroll outsourcing firms, and major accounting or HR technology companies consistently file H-1B petitions for payroll positions. You can browse verified H-1B sponsors for this role on Migrate Mate, which filters employers by LCA filing history so you're only seeing companies with a documented track record of sponsorship.
How does the DOL prevailing wage requirement affect payroll specialist H-1B petitions?
Before filing your H-1B petition, your employer must obtain a certified LCA from the DOL confirming your offered wage meets the prevailing wage for the role in your work location. Prevailing wages vary by metro area and experience level. You can look up applicable wage levels using the OFLC Wage Search, filtering by the payroll and timekeeping clerks SOC code or the compensation and benefits managers category depending on your seniority.
Can a Senior Payroll Specialist H-1B petition be filed outside the annual lottery cap?
It depends on the employer. Universities, nonprofit research organizations, and certain government-affiliated entities are cap-exempt, meaning they can file H-1B petitions year-round without entering the April lottery. Most private payroll departments and corporate employers are cap-subject, so your petition must be selected in the lottery before USCIS can adjudicate it.
What happens to my H-1B status if my payroll employer is acquired or restructures?
A corporate acquisition or merger that results in a successor-in-interest employer can allow your H-1B status to continue without a new petition, provided the new entity assumes the liabilities of the original LCA and the job duties remain substantially the same. If the role changes materially or the successor entity is a different legal structure, your employer should file an amended H-1B petition to protect your status.
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