Job Description

When you join Sunrise Senior Living, you will be able to use your unique skills to empower residents to live longer, healthier, and happier lives. Not only will you build meaningful relationships with residents, their families, and team members alike, you will also gain joy in serving others and deep fulfillment in your work. Explore how you can follow your passions and shed light on meaningful ways to serve, grow, and shine together.

Sunrise Senior Living was again certified as a Great Place to Work® by Activated Insights. This is the 8th time Sunrise has received this top culture and workplace designation, highlighting the special place Sunrise is to be a part of.

Job ID

2026-240158 The Payroll Associate supports accurate and timely payroll processing for U.S. and Canadian team members across both weekly and bi-weekly cycles. As part of a collaborative payroll team, this role is also responsible for processing wage garnishments, managing workers’ compensation claims and resolving payroll-related inquiries with professionalism and efficiency. Additionally, this role works closely with internal departments to ensure team members are paid accurately and on time while upholding compliance with company policies and applicable wage and hour laws.

RESPONSIBILITIES & QUALIFICATIONS

Job Description

Essential Duties

As a part of the Sunrise team, supporting our Mission, Principles of Service and Core Values is a fundamental part of this job. Our foundational belief is the sacred value of human life. The unique responsibilities for this role include but are not limited to the essential functions listed as follows:

• Process and review payroll outputs for U.S. and Canadian employees on a bi-weekly basis, ensuring accuracy in wages and deductions and upholding compliance with company policies and applicable wage and hour laws
• Coordinate payroll funding activities, including net pay, taxes and garnishments for both U.S. and Canadian payrolls
• Coordinate with third-party administrators to manage off-cycle payments, including timecard corrections and special one-time payments
• Manage wage garnishments and support orders by inputting and monitoring them in payroll systems for both U.S. and Canadian employees, liaising with third-party administrators as necessary
• Complete workers’ compensation claims as required by state laws, ensuring accurate and timely submissions
• Process IRS lock-in letters and ensure appropriate adjustments are made to employee tax withholdings
• Coordinate with the Treasury team to ensure timely processing of payment from external agencies
• Handle post-payment administrative tasks, such as managing returned checks, direct deposits and unclaimed property reporting in accordance with state regulations
• Respond to payroll-related inquiries from employees and third-party administrators, resolving questions regarding pay, taxes and other payroll matters
• Prepare and process journal entries to accurately record payroll transactions in the general ledger on a monthly basis
• Assist in payroll tax and compliance activities, including bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reporting requirements
• Provide support during audits by supplying necessary payroll details to auditors or management to ensure compliance with company policies
• Maintain payroll documentation, including updating forms and job aids to reflect current processes and procedures
• Participate in system testing for payroll processing and time entry systems to validate functionality and accuracy
• Cross-train and provide backup for other payroll team members, including time entry processing, to ensure continuity of operations
• Maintain compliance in assigned required training and all training required by state/province or other regulating authorities as applicable to this role to ensure that Sunrise standards are always met
• Perform other duties as assigned

Core Competencies

• Ability to review payroll data and system outputs with accuracy and thoroughness, ensuring precise calculations and compliance with payroll laws and company policies
• Strong familiarity with wage and hour laws, garnishments, workers’ compensation and payroll tax regulations across multiple jurisdictions, including U.S. and Canada
• Comfortable navigating payroll and HRIS systems, including processing off-cycle payments, posting journal entries and assisting with system testing and updates
• Demonstrated ability to respond to team member inquiries with professionalism, patience and clear communication, especially when resolving complex or sensitive payroll issues
• Proven ability to work effectively within a team environment, cross-train on processes and provide backup support as needed in a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting

Experience and Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed throughout this job description are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.

• High school diploma required; some college coursework or an associate degree in accounting, business or a related field preferred
• Payroll certification (e.g., FPC or CPP) a plus
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in payroll processing, including garnishments, off-cycle payments and payroll funding; experience with large, multi-state U.S. payrolls and Canadian payroll and year-end processes (e.g., W-2s, T4s) strongly preferred
• Solid understanding of U.S. federal and state wage and hour laws, tax withholding requirements and compliance regulations
• Demonstrated experience working with third-party payroll providers; ADP, Kronos or Workday experience preferred
• Working knowledge of workers’ compensation claims processing and payroll-related accounting or bookkeeping concepts
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel, combined with the ability to read and interpret payroll reports
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to multitask, prioritize and pivot effectively in a deadline-driven environment
• Strong customer service and communication skills, with the ability to respond to employee inquiries professionally and efficiently
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team committed to payroll accuracy, compliance and continuous learning

ABOUT SUNRISE

Ready to take the next step and make a bigger impact than you ever imagined? As part of our team, you will help brighten the future for everyone at Sunrise and beyond. That is why we make it a priority to celebrate the unique ways you bring moments of togetherness and joy to everyone you serve. And when combined with the support, benefits, and growth opportunities we offer, the result is a career that PositivelyShines with everything you need to reach your goals – at work and in your life.

We also offer benefits and other compensation that include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability Plans
• Retirement Savings Plans
• Employee Assistant Program / Discount Program
• Paid time off (PTO), sick time, and holiday pay
• myFlexPay offered to get paid within hours of a shift
• Tuition Reimbursement
• In addition to base compensation, Sunrise may offer discretionary and/or non-discretionary bonuses. The eligibility to receive such a bonus will depend on the employee’s position, plan/program offered by Sunrise at the time, and required performance pursuant to the plan/program.
• Some benefits have eligibility requirements

Apply today to learn why Sunrise Senior Living is a certified Great Place to Work®

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Sunrise considers the health and safety of its residents, family members, and team members among its highest priorities. Employment with Sunrise is contingent upon completing and passing a drug test (which does not include marijuana) and Tuberculosis Test, and a physical evaluation and a background check where required. Covid-19 and Influenza vaccination may be required if mandated by applicable federal, state, and local laws and authorities.

COMPENSATION DISCLAIMER

Selected candidates will be offered competitive compensation based on geographic location of community/office, skills, experience, qualifications, and certifications/licenses (where applicable).