Payroll Tax Specialist

We are a global group of iconic sports and outdoor brands such as Arc'teryx, Salomon, Wilson, Peak Performance, Atomic, and Armada.  Our purpose is to elevate the world through sport.  From courts to slopes, from cities to mountains, and everywhere in between, we inspire people to explore and experience the joy of sports and lead better, healthier lives.

With us, you get to inspire people to experience the joy of sports while building a network of like-minded people around the world.  We have an open and relaxed culture that encourages you to grow professionally and tend to your wellbeing.  Our core values are:

• Always authentic
• Better together
• Committed to impact
• Driven to excellence

Our global community of over 11,000 people operates in 41 countries.  Just like our customers, we are dedicated to an active lifestyle and sports.  Join us.

We are currently seeking a Payroll Tax Specialist.  This role will support all Amer Sports team members across the U.S. consisting of multiple brands and various locations (warehouse, factories, retail stores and various offices).  The Specialist will provide support under a shared services model.  As part of a team, this role will help ensure payroll and other HR processes run smoothly and efficiently.  This role will partner as backup and support to the Payroll Specialist with processing regularly scheduled payroll runs, off cycle payments, and other payroll needs. 

The Specialist will also be our main point of contact for all things tax-related in the payroll world including but not limited to: managing filings, notices and providing advice and research as necessary.  The Specialist must be able to multi-task and juggle competing priorities in our busy department.  Specific duties may include:

Tax Account Setup & Agency Communication

• Establish and manage tax filing accounts, acting as the main point of contact for both federal, state, and local tax agencies.

Issue Resolution & Research

• Monitor all tax notices for federal, state, and local tax agencies for proper follow up and resolution with ADP.
• Contact agencies to ensure timely resolution when applicable. Investigate and resolve complex payroll tax issues.
• Participate in internal and external audits related to payroll taxes, ensuring that any discrepancies are resolved quickly.

Reporting & Reconciliation

• Manage weekly, monthly, and quarterly reporting, as well as end-of-year tasks including W-2/W-2c processing.
• Ensure timely updates within ADP. Provide payroll tax reports for Corporate Tax Manager and internal partners’ periodic requests.

Compliance and Support with Tax Regulations

• Stay up-to-date on federal, state, and local tax laws to remain compliant with all applicable regulations.
• Review and verify work location/resident address changes, tax exemption certificates and employee tax status to ensure proper withholding.
• Act as a resource and subject matter expert for payroll tax issues, providing support to team members while maintaining confidentiality and compliance with regulations.

Process Documentation, Risk Management and Internal Controls

• Implement internal controls to mitigate the risk of payroll tax errors or compliance failures.
• Maintain and continuously improve payroll tax policies, procedures, and documentation to ensure adherence to compliance requirements.
• Proactively recommend enhancements to existing workflows.

General Payroll

• Partner as support and backup to the Payroll Specialist with processing regularly scheduled payroll runs, off cycle payments, handling of wage garnishments, mail, or other payroll needs.
• Process special payroll runs for quarter/year-end adjustments, stock options, or other ad-hoc needs.
• Work with the team to develop processes and recommend changes to remain compliant and increase efficiencies.
• Ensure the resolution of payroll processing issues in a timely manner and provide recommendations to prevent future issues by pro-actively analyzing the root cause.
• Respond in a timely manner to team member questions via the HRSS ticketing system and/or phone.
• Possess a broad knowledge of payroll and timekeeping, and general HR related topics to respond to team member inquiries; demonstrate initiative in seeking answers to new inquiries - topics include, but are not limited to: payroll, timekeeping, health and retirement plans, policy interpretation and general HR processes.

Qualified candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in business, or a related field.  We are seeking an individual with a minimum 7+ years of progressive experience with U.S. multi-state payroll, including:  tax, processing, validation, adjustments, year-end processing, periodic reporting, supplemental payrolls, etc.  Candidates should demonstrate a customer service attitude along with a strong attention to detail.  Other qualifications include:

• Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local tax regulations and reporting requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret tax laws and regulations.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously in a fast-moving, hands-on environment.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively communicate complex tax issues to non-tax professionals.
• High level of integrity and professionalism, with proven experience handing sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to identify areas that require improvement or are at risk, and pro-actively make suggestions to always gain efficiencies
• Hands-on experience and demonstrated expertise in HCM systems, ADP Smart Compliance, ADP Enterprise (EV5 or EV6), ADP Reporting, Workday
• Proficiency in MS Office and a demonstrated technical aptitude
• Advanced skills of Microsoft Office Suites
• FPC and/or CPP certification preferred

What We’ll Provide

This role supports various Amer Sports Brands in the U.S. and is based at the Wilson global headquarters located in the vibrant, sports-centric city of Chicago.  This HQ sits along the lakefront with first-class access to a burgeoning creative, innovative, energetic and active professional community. We offer an open, collaborative, high-tech work environment with great benefits and perks, including:

• Medical, dental and vision
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Pre-tax transit discounts
• Life insurance
• Paid maternity/paternity leave
• Discounts on Amer Sports and Wilson products
• On-site health club
• Summer hours; generous paid holiday offering
• Hybrid work schedule

A reasonable estimate of the pay range is $36.00-41.00 per hour at the time of this posting. Within the range, individual pay is determined by factors such as job-related skills, relevant experience, education, and/or training. Please note that the range reflects the base pay only and does not include our competitive bonus program.

Amer Sports is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristics.