Senior Payroll Specialist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Senior Payroll Specialist roles attract H-1B visa and TN visa sponsorship from mid-size and enterprise employers, particularly in healthcare, finance, and tech. Employers typically require a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field, and USCIS classifies payroll specialization as a qualifying specialty occupation. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsAt Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Prepares company payroll, reviews and validates timesheets and employee status changes; reconciles discrepancies for both multistate and global payroll leveraging multiple systems.
- Functions as subject matter expert in payroll processing for both multistate and global payroll. Audits, reconciles, and resolves payroll processing and responds to employee payroll inquiries.
- Collaborates with system programmers and stakeholders to develop and implement compensation and benefit programs, updates and reconcile company payroll system issues.
- Researches and interprets federal and state regulatory requirements and resolves tax, withholding, garnishment, and wage/hour issues for payroll processing.
- Calculates and documents payroll transactions which may include manual payroll inputs.
- Performs internal audits and responds to external auditing and regulatory inquiries.
- Verifies payroll reporting and payments are compliant with company policy, generally accepted accounting principles and federal, state and IRS regulations.
- Completes monthly General Ledger account reconciliations.
- Support yearly tax filing and the Labor to GL reconciliation as required for the yearly Incurred Cost Submission.
- Identifies records for retention.
- Leads and mentors junior level Payroll Specialists.
- Enters transactions and journal entries into the accounting, timekeeping, and payroll systems.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
Accounting Systems and Process:
- Knowledge of how to implement/maintain/document effective internal controls and processes to ensure system integrity and compliance with accounting system requirements and company internal control guidelines and requirements.
- Ability to identify and resolve accounting system issues.
- Ability to support internal/external auditors and provide assistance regarding implementation and problem resolution.
- Ability to support development and deployment of accounting systems and tools.
Analytical Skills:
- Ability to collect, organize, and analyze data; summarize findings; develop conclusions and recommendations from appropriate data sources.
- Handling Confidential & Proprietary Information: Skill and ability to work with sensitive information, safeguarding confidential information and working with it dispassionately.
Tax laws and codes:
- Knowledge of tax laws and codes applicable to US state and federal jurisdictions as well as international jurisdictions.
Build Positive Relationships:
- Develops and uses collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals.
Communication:
- Clearly conveys information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the message.
Decision Making:
- Identifies and understands issues, problems, and opportunities; compares data from different sources to draw conclusions; uses effective approaches for choosing a course of action or develops appropriate solutions; takes action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences.
Strong Excel Skills:
- Knowledge and understanding of pivot tables and vlookups.
Education & Experience:
- 10 to 14 years’ experience preparing multi-state company payroll with a bachelor’s degree; or 8-12 years related experience with a master's degree; or comparable combination of education and experience.
- Prefer candidates who have:
- experience working for a government contractor.
- experience with ADP payroll processing.
- experience using HRMS systems, such as Workday or similar systems.
- experience using Deltek systems, such as Shop Floor Time, Time and Expense, and CostPoint.
Interested in learning more? APPLY TODAY!
At Insitu, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
Insitu also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability programs and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.
The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire.
Please note that the salary information show below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate experience, qualifications and work location.
Typical Hiring Range: 85,000.00 - 117,150.00
Insitu is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Your Benefits
No matter where you are in life, our benefits help prepare you for the present and the future.
- Generous company match to your 401(k).
- Industry-leading tuition assistance program pays your institution directly.
- Fertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits.
- Up to $10,000 gift match when you support your favorite nonprofit organizations.
These programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other conditions, which may differ for employees of certain subsidiaries or business units, or union-represented employees depending on bargaining agreement terms. If this information conflicts with the program documents, the latter shall control. This material is informational only.
At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Prepares company payroll, reviews and validates timesheets and employee status changes; reconciles discrepancies for both multistate and global payroll leveraging multiple systems.
- Functions as subject matter expert in payroll processing for both multistate and global payroll. Audits, reconciles, and resolves payroll processing and responds to employee payroll inquiries.
- Collaborates with system programmers and stakeholders to develop and implement compensation and benefit programs, updates and reconcile company payroll system issues.
- Researches and interprets federal and state regulatory requirements and resolves tax, withholding, garnishment, and wage/hour issues for payroll processing.
- Calculates and documents payroll transactions which may include manual payroll inputs.
- Performs internal audits and responds to external auditing and regulatory inquiries.
- Verifies payroll reporting and payments are compliant with company policy, generally accepted accounting principles and federal, state and IRS regulations.
- Completes monthly General Ledger account reconciliations.
- Support yearly tax filing and the Labor to GL reconciliation as required for the yearly Incurred Cost Submission.
- Identifies records for retention.
- Leads and mentors junior level Payroll Specialists.
- Enters transactions and journal entries into the accounting, timekeeping, and payroll systems.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
Accounting Systems and Process:
- Knowledge of how to implement/maintain/document effective internal controls and processes to ensure system integrity and compliance with accounting system requirements and company internal control guidelines and requirements.
- Ability to identify and resolve accounting system issues.
- Ability to support internal/external auditors and provide assistance regarding implementation and problem resolution.
- Ability to support development and deployment of accounting systems and tools.
Analytical Skills:
- Ability to collect, organize, and analyze data; summarize findings; develop conclusions and recommendations from appropriate data sources.
- Handling Confidential & Proprietary Information: Skill and ability to work with sensitive information, safeguarding confidential information and working with it dispassionately.
Tax laws and codes:
- Knowledge of tax laws and codes applicable to US state and federal jurisdictions as well as international jurisdictions.
Build Positive Relationships:
- Develops and uses collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals.
Communication:
- Clearly conveys information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the message.
Decision Making:
- Identifies and understands issues, problems, and opportunities; compares data from different sources to draw conclusions; uses effective approaches for choosing a course of action or develops appropriate solutions; takes action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences.
Strong Excel Skills:
- Knowledge and understanding of pivot tables and vlookups.
Education & Experience:
- 10 to 14 years’ experience preparing multi-state company payroll with a bachelor’s degree; or 8-12 years related experience with a master's degree; or comparable combination of education and experience.
- Prefer candidates who have:
- experience working for a government contractor.
- experience with ADP payroll processing.
- experience using HRMS systems, such as Workday or similar systems.
- experience using Deltek systems, such as Shop Floor Time, Time and Expense, and CostPoint.
Interested in learning more? APPLY TODAY!
At Insitu, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
Insitu also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability programs and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.
The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire.
Please note that the salary information show below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate experience, qualifications and work location.
Typical Hiring Range: 85,000.00 - 117,150.00
Insitu is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Your Benefits
No matter where you are in life, our benefits help prepare you for the present and the future.
- Generous company match to your 401(k).
- Industry-leading tuition assistance program pays your institution directly.
- Fertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits.
- Up to $10,000 gift match when you support your favorite nonprofit organizations.
These programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other conditions, which may differ for employees of certain subsidiaries or business units, or union-represented employees depending on bargaining agreement terms. If this information conflicts with the program documents, the latter shall control. This material is informational only.
See all 64+ 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 Visa Sponsorship as a Senior Payroll Specialist
Target employers with large, complex payroll operations
Companies running multi-state or international payroll are far more likely to sponsor visas. Healthcare systems, financial institutions, and enterprise tech firms regularly file H-1B petitions for Senior Payroll Specialists because replacing specialized expertise is costly and disruptive.
Frame your degree as directly relevant to the role
USCIS requires a direct connection between your degree and the position. A bachelor's in accounting, finance, or business administration strengthens your petition significantly. If your degree is adjacent, document how your coursework directly supports payroll systems and compliance work.
Highlight payroll software certifications and credentials
Certifications like CPP or FPC from the American Payroll Association signal specialized knowledge USCIS looks for in specialty occupation cases. They also differentiate you from general HR candidates and help employers justify the sponsorship investment to their legal team.
Prioritize employers with established immigration programs
Companies that have sponsored H-1B or TN visas before move faster and make fewer mistakes. Check DOL LCA disclosure data to identify employers who have previously filed for payroll or accounting roles before applying, it tells you who is genuinely sponsorship-ready.
Understand the TN visa pathway if you're Canadian or Mexican
TN status covers accountants under USMCA and can apply to Senior Payroll Specialists with an accounting degree. It requires no lottery, processes quickly at the border or a consulate, and is a practical alternative to waiting for H-1B selection in April.
Be prepared to explain the specialty occupation argument
Some USCIS examiners scrutinize payroll roles, questioning whether a degree is truly required. Your employer's attorney should show the role involves tax compliance, system implementation, or multi-jurisdiction regulation, not just check processing, to satisfy the specialty occupation standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Senior Payroll Specialist role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, in most cases, but the employer's petition needs to make the argument explicitly. USCIS requires that a bachelor's degree in a specific field is the normal minimum for the position. Senior Payroll Specialist roles focused on tax compliance, multi-state payroll law, or enterprise payroll systems (Workday, SAP) are far easier to defend than general payroll processing roles. The more complex and technically demanding the job description, the stronger the case.
What degree do I need for an employer to sponsor my visa as a Senior Payroll Specialist?
A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration is the most defensible credential for H-1B visa sponsorship in this role. Degrees in human resources or information systems can work if your coursework included payroll-relevant subjects like tax, compensation, or enterprise systems. USCIS looks for a direct relationship between your field of study and the duties of the specific position, so a generic business degree with no accounting coursework carries more risk of a Request for Evidence.
Which visa types are most common for Senior Payroll Specialists?
H-1B is the most common route, particularly for Indian and Nigerian nationals who make up a significant share of visa-sponsored finance and HR roles. Canadian and Mexican nationals with accounting degrees should strongly consider TN visa status, which requires no lottery and can be obtained at the border. Australians with relevant degrees may qualify for the E-3 visa. Each pathway has different processing timelines and renewal rules, so the best option depends on your nationality and the employer's timeline.
How do I find employers actively sponsoring Senior Payroll Specialist roles?
Migrate Mate is the most direct way to find Senior Payroll Specialist roles with confirmed sponsorship. DOL LCA disclosure data is also searchable and shows which companies have filed labor condition applications for payroll and accounting positions historically, this tells you which employers have real infrastructure for sponsorship, not just a checkbox on a job posting. Focus on healthcare systems, payroll service bureaus, and large tech companies, which file consistently in this category.
Can I transfer my H-1B to a new employer as a Senior Payroll Specialist?
Yes. H-1B portability allows you to start working for a new employer as soon as they file a transfer petition, without waiting for approval, as long as your previous H-1B was approved and you've maintained valid status. Your new employer files a fresh I-129 petition specific to the Senior Payroll Specialist role at their company. The specialty occupation standard must be satisfied again for the new position, so the job description and your credentials need to align clearly.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Senior Payroll Specialist jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.