Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Activities
Timeline
Denise Porter-Merchant

Denise Porter-Merchant

Garland,TX

Summary

Dynamic Payroll Tax & Garnishment Manager with extensive experience at Ampex Brands Services Inc, excelling in multi-state payroll processing and tax compliance. Proven track record in audit resolution and process improvement, demonstrating strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Adept at fostering effective communication with tax authorities to ensure timely resolutions.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Payroll Tax & Garnishment Manager

AB Managment Solutions LLC dba Ampex Brands Servic
Richardson, TX
06.2022 - 03.2025
  • Managed tax preparation and filing for 32 organizations across 27 states, serving over 18,000 employees.
  • Filed federal and state tax forms, including 941s, 940s, and local withholdings.
  • Conducted audits of payroll tax accounts monthly, quarterly, and annually to ensure accuracy.
  • Processed employee adjustments and prepared amended payroll tax returns as necessary.
  • Oversaw the compliance and efficiency of the new payroll tax services provider.
  • Drafted correspondence to the IRS and government agencies for the resolution of payroll tax notices.
  • Documented payroll tax workflows and procedures to ensure operational consistency.
  • Established tax accounts while validating information and testing multi-state payroll rules.

Payroll Tax Analyst

Ampex Brands Services Inc
Richardson, TX
06.2021 - 06.2022
  • Prepared transaction tax returns for federal, state, and local filings on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
  • Researched transaction tax issues, ensuring compliance with relevant statutes and regulations.
  • Assisted with transaction tax audits, providing necessary documentation and support.
  • Reviewed indirect tax filings for related companies to ensure accuracy and compliance.
  • Guided teams based on comprehensive research of transaction tax laws and regulations.
  • Reconciled transaction tax general ledger accounts to maintain financial integrity.
  • Developed and implemented process improvements to enhance efficiency in tax preparation.

Payroll Lead

Holly Frontier
Dallas, TX
02.2021 - 06.2021
  • Processed payroll for US and Canada, ensuring accurate and timely transactions.
  • Executed daily stock files from the Plan Administrator into the payroll system.
  • Balanced files with correct stock pay codes per tax withholding requirements.
  • Addressed management and Stock Administrator inquiries regarding file processing and tax withholdings.
  • Conducted monthly reconciliations to verify employee tax withholding adjustments.
  • Monitored approvals and finalized payroll and tax files upon confirmation.
  • Audited payroll transactions and registers before transmission, validating reports.
  • Managed timekeeping system, edited time punches as requested by supervisors.

Payroll Processor

Trinity Industries
Dallas, TX
09.2020 - 12.2020
  • Managed end-to-end processing of multi-state payrolls, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
  • Executed daily payroll operations, including element entries and batch loads into Oracle HCM.
  • Validated payroll transactions before transmission, including bank and tax transmissions.
  • Analyzed and resolved payroll time entry issues and system errors.
  • Responded to inquiries from HR partners, managers, and employees promptly.
  • Escalated critical issues to leadership to facilitate timely resolutions.
  • Conducted quarterly tax reconciliations and year-end reporting.
  • Maintained compliance with payroll controls and supporting documentation.

Employee Services Supervisor

FPT Operating Company / Talus Payments
Dallas, TX
03.2015 - 05.2020
  • Managed payroll operations for over 4,000 employees using ADP Workforce Now.
  • Executed off-cycle payroll processes, audit controls, and service level agreements.
  • Maintained strong relationships within defined SLAs, delivering timely research and resolution.
  • Served as the escalation point for payroll issues, coordinating with the Senior Payroll Manager.
  • Ensured adherence to processing procedures and timelines by management.
  • Updated procedural documents to enhance operational efficiencies and continuous improvement.
  • Led initiatives gathering user requirements for system enhancements and implementations.
  • Conducted audits of monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll activities.
  • Developed strategies to improve team performance and productivity.
  • Collaborated with other departments to coordinate workflow processes between teams.

AP and Payroll Specialist

Pioneer Natural Resources
Irving, TX
01.2013 - 03.2015
  • Processed incoming delivery tickets, supplier invoices, and freight invoices efficiently.
  • Reviewed, coded, scanned, and processed invoices and delivery documents promptly.
  • Resolved vendor inquiries regarding invoice status and payment issues.
  • Conducted thorough reviews of purchase orders, goods receipts, and invoices for three-way match accuracy.
  • Ensured compliance with contract pricing by reviewing invoice pricing meticulously.
  • Maintained comprehensive records for audits, including checks signed and copying machine usage.
  • Processed invoices timely manner using accounting software, verifying receipt of materials/services before payment.
  • Organized payroll distribution to ensure timely receipt in accordance with district guidelines.

Payroll Specialist

Sante Pediatrics
Frisco, TX
01.2012 - 01.2013
  • Processed bi-weekly payroll, ensuring accurate calculations for deductions and taxes.
  • Coordinated with HRIS to verify system updates before implementation.
  • Collaborated with Finance to guarantee precise reporting of general ledger data.
  • Responded promptly to inquiries from employees regarding their paychecks or deductions.
  • Ensured that all necessary taxes were withheld accurately from each employee's paycheck.

Payroll Coordinator / AP Specialist

Raising Canes USA, LLC
Plano, TX
12.2008 - 11.2011
  • Processed payroll activities, maintained records, and filed tax and deduction reports.
  • Reviewed payroll documentation for accuracy, auditing reports to implement necessary adjustments.
  • Obtained approvals for payroll changes, ensuring compliance with regulations.
  • Printed, sorted, and distributed payroll checks for on-cycle and off-cycle runs.
  • Collaborated with Human Resources and Accounting on all payroll-related matters.
  • Maintained accurate payroll records and employee files, including reconciliation of accounts.
  • Responded to employee inquiries regarding payroll issues and employment verification.
  • Reconciled bank statements, verifying payroll deductions against output documents.

Education

Some College (No Degree) - Business Management, Accounting/Finance

Jarvis Christian College
  • Business and Accounting Coursework
  • Continuing Education: (business administration, international business, and finance)

Some College (No Degree) - Business Management, Accounting/Finance

Southern New Hampshire University
Business and Accounting Coursework

Skills

  • Tax preparation and filing
  • Multi-state payroll processing
  • Audit resolution
  • MS Office Suite proficiency
  • Tax authority correspondence
  • System implementation
  • Customer support communication
  • Financial reporting
  • Payroll administration
  • Tax compliance
  • Policy development
  • Attention to detail
  • Process improvement
  • Organizational skills
  • Multitasking abilities
  • Troubleshooting expertise

Activities

  • Overseeing payroll processing: Ensuring timely and accurate calculation and distribution of wages, including overtime and deductions, and managing direct deposits.
  • Tax Compliance: Managing all federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, including withholding, filing returns, and making payments on time. This may involve preparing and filing tax returns (such as Form 941 quarterly)
  • Reconciling Payroll Accounts: Regularly auditing and reconciling payroll accounts to identify and resolve discrepancies
  • Maintaining Accurate Records: Keeping meticulous records of employee information, wages, deductions, and tax filings
  • Staying Updated on Regulations: Remaining informed about changes in tax laws and labor regulations to ensure ongoing compliance

Timeline

Payroll Tax & Garnishment Manager - AB Managment Solutions LLC dba Ampex Brands Servic
06.2022 - 03.2025
Payroll Tax Analyst - Ampex Brands Services Inc
06.2021 - 06.2022
Payroll Lead - Holly Frontier
02.2021 - 06.2021
Payroll Processor - Trinity Industries
09.2020 - 12.2020
Employee Services Supervisor - FPT Operating Company / Talus Payments
03.2015 - 05.2020
AP and Payroll Specialist - Pioneer Natural Resources
01.2013 - 03.2015
Payroll Specialist - Sante Pediatrics
01.2012 - 01.2013
Payroll Coordinator / AP Specialist - Raising Canes USA, LLC
12.2008 - 11.2011
Jarvis Christian College - Some College (No Degree), Business Management, Accounting/Finance
Southern New Hampshire University - Some College (No Degree), Business Management, Accounting/Finance