Senior Research Associate Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Company Overview:

Ocean State Job Lot (“OSJL” or the “Company”) is a dynamic $850+ million general merchandise retailer with a strong foothold across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. With over 170 stores currently and ambitious plans to reach 180 locations, OSJL offers exciting opportunities for growth and contribution. We are an opportunity-driven retailer owning over 50% of our operating locations, totaling 8 million square feet, demonstrating our stability and long-term vision. At OSJL, you will be part of a team committed to delivering exceptional value to our customers while driving positive change and a more responsible future for retail within our communities.

Job Description:

The Senior Payroll Specialist role at Ocean State Job Lot (“OSJL” and “Company”) is a key professional and administrative role within the Human Resource department, responsible for the strategic oversight and execution of payroll operations for over 6,000 associates across multiple states. This position requires the exercise of discretion and independent judgment in matters of significance, including the interpretation of complex tax laws, the implementation of payroll policies, and the management of high-level compliance audits. The Senior Payroll Specialist role serves as a subject matter expert, ensuring the integrity of the Company’s financial obligations regarding labor and compensation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Oversight: Direct the end-to-end weekly payroll lifecycle for approximately 6,000 associates, ensuring the accurate application of Company policy and regulatory requirements.
• Compliance Leadership: Interpret and ensure ongoing organizational compliance with evolving federal, state, and local payroll and labor laws. Proactively research and analyze legislative changes to advise leadership on necessary policy adjustments.
• Financial Management: Manage the complex calculation and reconciliation of payroll deductions, including multi-state tax jurisdictions, health benefits, and 401(k) contributions.
• Dispute Resolution: Independently research and resolve escalated payroll matters, including complex wage garnishments, child support orders, and internal compensation discrepancies.
• Audit & Quality Control: Design and execute comprehensive audit procedures to ensure data integrity; exercise authority to correct systemic discrepancies and improve internal controls.
• Year-End Administration: Lead year-end payroll processing, including the management of W-2 preparation, tax reconciliations, and reporting, ensuring total alignment with IRS and state regulations.
• Project Management: Lead and execute special projects, such as software implementations, process improvements, or policy development, aimed at increasing departmental efficiency.

Qualifications:

• 5 or more years of progressive, professional payroll experience, including multi-state processing.
• Demonstrated experience managing payroll for large organizations (6,000+ associates) is preferred.
• Advanced understanding of federal, state, and local payroll tax laws. Experience with professional tax filings (941, 940) and complex reconciliations.
• Proficiency in HRIS and payroll software (e.g., UKG, ADP) and advanced capabilities in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Strong analytical and organizational leadership skills; ability to handle high-level confidential data with professional discretion.
• Proven ability to work independently, meet high-stakes deadlines, and manage high-volume workloads without immediate supervision.
  

Work Environment:

• Works primarily in a climate controlled environment with minimal safety and health hazard
  potential. 
• Works in an office environment remaining stationary at a desk, table, or computer workstation for extended periods of time. Frequently uses near vision for reading and computer tasks. 
• Hybrid work option: Some work may be completed outside of the Company locations, with at least three (3) days a week in the Corporate Office. The role is responsible for setting up a professional and ergonomically safe work environment and to be available during working hours. Hybrid work options are not guaranteed and are subject to change at any time based upon Company policy, associate performance and business needs.
• As an exempt professional, the Senior Payroll Specialist is expected to manage their own schedule to meet the demands of the payroll cycle and business needs, which may occasionally require hours beyond the standard workweek.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The annual salary range for this position is between $65,000 - $75,000. Salary commensurates with years of relevant experience. 

OSJL Featured Total Rewards & Perks:

• Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including but not limited to Medical, Dental, Vision, and much more.
• 401K Program
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Associate Store 30% Discounts
• Enjoy complimentary access to OSJL-owned vacation properties, along with discounted gym memberships and 20% off at OSJL affiliated restaurants.
• Free lunch Fridays

This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked by supervisors or managers to perform other job duties and tasks, some of which may be essential to the position. Leadership has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not a contract, either express or implied. You are an at-will employee, meaning either you or the Company may terminate your employment at any time, with or without notice.