Karen Castro
Queen Creek,Arizona
Summary
Hardworking tax specialist familiar with software programs, agency tax and payroll systems. Accurate in checking timesheets, processing payroll and documenting actions for fully compliant payroll operations. Reliable in completing high-volume work on-time. With exceptional skill of multi-tasking.
Overview
3
3
years of post-secondary education
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Wage and Hour Compliance Specialist
California Closet
Phoenix, Arizona
01.2025 - Current
- Conducted regular audits to identify areas of non-compliance within operations.
- Managed timekeeping systems to ensure compliance with company policies and regulations.
- Collaborated with Human Resources staff to resolve discrepancies related to payroll issues.
- Reviewed and updated company policies to reflect current legal requirements.
Operating Risk Representative
Paychex Inc
02.2024 - 01.2025
- Resolved penalty notices and coordinated with tax agencies for timely resolution.
- Handled penalty notices and followed up with tax agencies to ensure their resolution.
- Maintained accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of all research-related processes.
- Developed and maintained knowledge of all changes pertaining to various product offerings, regulatory changes, policy changes and industry developments.
- Cultivated positive customer relations and collaborated with team members to effectively address requests and inquiries.
- Developed and maintained knowledge of all changes pertaining to various product offerings, regulatory changes, policy changes and industry developments.
HR Payroll Specialist
Paychex
07.2022 - 02.2024
- Executed payroll processing for timely employee compensation and distributed checks in compliance with corporate specifications to ensure timely employee compensation
- Established, reconciled, and executed wage garnishments for employees, maintaining compliance with legal requirements
- Entered and maintained employee payroll data for assigned facilities
- Established and processed wage garnishments according to legal requirements
- Assisted in prompt resolution of garnishments, tax levies and child support notices
- Coordinated resolution processes for garnishments and tax levies to support employee obligations of garnishments, tax levies, and child support notices to support employee financial obligations and compliance
- Verified attendance, hours worked and pay adjustments to post information onto designated records.
- Adhered to department policies and procedures to encourage successful internal and external audits
Payroll Account Manager
ADP
09.2021 - 06.2022
- Tracked payroll success and identified opportunities through development of key metrics and reports that informed decision-making
- Resolved payroll discrepancies and balanced accounts
- Resolved payroll discrepancies and ensured balanced accounts to maintain accuracy and compliance
- Verified federal, state, and social security tax information for employees to ensure adherence to regulations
- Stayed current on employer liabilities and payroll requirements with regular reviews of government publications.
Technical Support Expert
Verizon Wireless
12.2014 - 08.2021
- Diagnosed and resolved technical hardware and software issues
- Diagnosed issues with software and equipment using software systems and different troubleshooting techniques to locate root causes.
- Recorded customer issues on database to streamline process and fast track resolutions
- Informed programmers of errors and collaborated on solutions for program modifications
- Informed programmers regarding errors and assisted in finding solutions to modify programs
- Diagnosed software and equipment issues using systems and troubleshooting techniques to identify root causes
Education
Associate in Arts (A.A.) -
Gilbert Community College
Gilbert, AZ 09.2026 - 09.2026
Higley High School
Gilbert, AZ 08.2008 - 05.2011
Skills
- Payroll administration
- Tax compliance
- Audit support
- Compliance documentation
- Payroll software
- Data reconciliation
- Regulatory knowledge
- Time management
Timeline
Associate in Arts (A.A.) -
Gilbert Community College
09.2026 - 09.2026
Wage and Hour Compliance Specialist
California Closet
01.2025 - Current
Operating Risk Representative
Paychex Inc
02.2024 - 01.2025
HR Payroll Specialist
Paychex
07.2022 - 02.2024
Payroll Account Manager
ADP
09.2021 - 06.2022
Technical Support Expert
Verizon Wireless
12.2014 - 08.2021
Higley High School
08.2008 - 05.2011