**Introduction** The US Payroll Specialist will be responsible for executing payroll processes and ensuring compliance with US payroll regulations within the Hungary Center of Excellence (COE). This role will focus on payroll tax processing, health and welfare deductions, 401(k) contributions, payroll reconciliations, and adherence to SOX controls. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in US payroll operations and a strong attention to detail to support accurate and efficient payroll execution. **Your role and responsibilities** Key Responsibilities: * Payroll Processing: Execute end-to-end payroll processing for the US account, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. * Payroll Tax Compliance: Ensure proper calculation, reporting, and remittance of payroll taxes in accordance with US tax laws. Collaborate with tax authorities and internal stakeholders to resolve tax issues. * Health & Welfare and 401(k) Deductions: Accurately process employee deductions for benefits and retirement contributions, ensuring compliance with plan requirements. * Payroll Tie-Outs and Reconciliations: Perform pre- and post-payroll audits to ensure data integrity and accurate payroll outputs. Reconcile payroll results to general ledger accounts and financial reports. * SOX Controls & Compliance: Adhere to all SOX compliance and internal control procedures, supporting audits and maintaining required documentation. * Process Improvement: Identify opportunities for payroll process enhancements and automation to improve efficiency and accuracy. * Employee Support & Issue Resolution: Address payroll-related inquiries from employees and internal partners, ensuring timely resolution of payroll discrepancies. * Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with HR, Finance, IT, and external vendors to ensure payroll processes align with overall business needs. **Required technical and professional expertise** * Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, or a related field preferred. * 4+ years of experience in payroll processing, tax compliance, or payroll operations. * Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. * Ability to work in a fast-paced, global shared services or COE environment. * Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams. **Preferred technical and professional experience** * Knowledge of US payroll regulations, including tax laws, benefits deductions, and compliance requirements. * Experience working with payroll systems such as ADP, Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, or similar platforms. * Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or equivalent certification. * Experience with AI-driven payroll automation and digital transformation initiatives. * Experience working in a multinational or shared services payroll environment. IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.