Senior Payroll Administrator in Durham

Upstream Rehabilitation is looking for a Senior Payroll Administrator to join our team. This position is remote, but candidates must reside in the United States.

Build Your Career with Us! Upstream Rehabilitation is the country’s largest dedicated provider of outpatient physical and occupational therapy services. Our mission is to inspire and empower the lives we touch, to serve our communities, and to lead with purpose-driven passion. We are committed to delivering remarkable experiences and fostering an inclusive workplace where differences are valued and celebrated.

The Role: Join the Upstream Rehabilitation team, where your work makes a meaningful impact on the associate experience. As a Senior Payroll Administrator, you will help ensure accurate, timely payroll while serving as a trusted resource for employees and supporting timekeeping, payroll questions, and education across the organization. You will handle bi-weekly payroll processing, including garnishments, compliance, and reconciliation of final payroll submissions. You’ll also support quarterly adjustments and year-end W-2 review and reconciliation, contribute to special projects, and uphold the mission, vision, and values of Upstream Rehabilitation and its affiliated entities.

What You’ll Do:

• Manage the end-to-end payroll process for all associates, including earnings, deductions, garnishments, tax setup, adjustments, and reporting, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and organizational payroll regulations, including tax requirements, garnishments, and wage laws.
• Manage payroll corrections, including prior quarter adjustments and year-end W-2 review and reconciliation.
• Partner with payroll vendor to resolve system issues, implement updates and ensure data accuracy.
• Oversee timekeeping processes, ensuring compliance with regulations and providing training and guidance to managers and associates.
• Maintain accurate associate data within the HRIS from hire to termination, including reporting and leading regular audits to resolve discrepancies.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for associates and leaders by providing guidance, resolving inquiries, and delivering a high-quality service experience.
• Safeguard sensitive payroll and compensation information with the highest level of confidentiality.
• Contribute to process improvement and support special projects, as needed.
• Other projects and duties as assigned.

Who You Are:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 6–10 years of payroll administration experience, including senior-level responsibilities.
• Deep expertise in end-to-end payroll processing, including bi-weekly payroll, garnishments, adjustments, bonuses, and reconciliation, with strong knowledge of federal, state, and local compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to operate as a senior team member—leading processes, supporting peers, and driving accuracy in a deadline-driven, high-volume environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing demands.
• Advanced proficiency with payroll systems, HRIS platforms, and Microsoft Office (particularly Excel).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a customer-focused approach and the ability to partner effectively across teams and with external vendors.
• High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Professional, polished, and service-oriented approach, with a commitment to continuous learning and staying current on payroll regulations.

Nice to Haves:

• Advanced degree or HR Certification (PHR, SHRM-CP or Payroll).
• Experience with ADP Vantage.

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

• The chance to directly shape our organization’s growth by hiring the talent that drives our mission.
• Opportunities to stretch your skills—whether you’re building pipelines, designing sourcing strategies, or advising leadership.
• A collaborative team environment where your ideas are valued.
• Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and ongoing professional development.

Benefit Offerings:

• Annual paid Charity Day to give back to a cause meaningful to you.
• 100% employer paid medical health insurance premium option available.
• Dental and Vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Generous PTO and paid holidays.
• Supportive team and leadership invested in your success.

A Better Place to Build Your Career: Upstream Rehabilitation offers meaningful opportunities across corporate and non-clinical roles, both remotely and in corporate offices nationwide. We invest in our people through leadership development programs, ongoing education, and professional growth opportunities. Our corporate teams are critical to Upstream’s success—and to the culture that makes this a great place to work. You’ll join a group of talented professionals who collaborate, innovate, and know how to have fun while making a real impact.

Salary Range: $50,000 - $65,000. Estimated pay ranges listed above are based on several factors including but not limited to your pay class, experience, background and geographic location of the clinic. Benefits and eligibility are dependent on employment status and pay class (full-time, part-time, or PRN). Specific details will be provided during the hiring process.

Follow @Lifeatupstream on Instagram, and check out our LinkedIn company page to learn more about what it’s like to be part of the #upstreamfamily.