LA'QUITA CHEATHAM
Phoenix
Summary
Detail-oriented Payroll Specialist with 7 years of experience in managing end-to-end payroll processing, ensuring compliance with regulations, and utilizing advanced payroll systems such as ADP, Paylocity, and UKG. Expertise in resolving discrepancies, year-end processing, and maintaining comprehensive payroll documentation to support efficient financial operations.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Payroll Accountant
Bumblebee Home Services
Glendale
01.2026 - Current
- Managed end-to-end payroll processing, coordinating with HR and third-party vendors to ensure accurate and timely tax withholdings.
- Led and executed payroll-related projects by collaborating cross-functionally, identifying risks, and implementing effective mitigation strategies.
- Maintained comprehensive documentation and ensured the implementation of effective systems, controls, policies, and procedures.
- Analyzed payroll and time-tracking processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline operations.
Payroll Specialist
Valley Metro
Phoenix
08.2024 - 12.2025
- Processed payroll for over 500 employees bi-weekly, ensuring accuracy of pay and deductions.
- Coordinated with HR to ensure accurate employee data for payroll processing and tracked employee leave earnings.
- Prepared and balanced end-of-period reports and reconciled payroll issues.
- Maintained up-to-date payroll records by recording employee exemptions, transfers, and resignations.
Senior Payroll Specialist
Paylocity
Phoenix
10.2021 - 09.2024
- Managed payroll for temporary, hourly, and salaried employees while ensuring compliance with IRS guidelines and state regulations.
- Assisted with audits by preparing accounts and providing information as the company expert on payroll operations.
- Responded to requests for information, updated and reconciled retirement, tax, and health care accounts.
- Processed rehires, transfers, terminations, garnishments, and withholdings.
Payroll Specialist
ADP
Tempe
06.2019 - 09.2021
- Provided technical expertise to employees and auditors on federal, state, and international income tax matters.
- Reviewed, investigated, and corrected errors and inconsistencies in financial entries, documents, and reports.
- Ensured proper processing of garnishments and followed IRS guidelines when submitting payroll taxes.
- Created, organized, and maintained employee personnel files to secure sensitive data.
Claims Adjuster
State Farm
Tempe
04.2018 - 02.2019
- Conducted interviews and gathered detailed information to complete field investigations.
- Coordinated with law enforcement and testified at criminal proceedings regarding claims.
- Drafted statements of loss to summarize damages, payments, and underlying policy coverage.
Account Protection Specialist
American Express
Phoenix
03.2016 - 08.2017
- Handled calls and utilized sound judgment when determining fraudulent applications.
- Prioritized and multi-tasked effectively while maintaining confidentiality and accuracy.
- Analyzed activities related to inappropriate usage of American Express card products.
Collections Specialist
JPMorgan Chase
Phoenix
07.2011 - 09.2014
- Negotiated credit extensions to assist customers in paying overdue accounts.
- Collaborated with legal department officials on bankruptcy cases and managed proceedings.
- Processed payments over the phone and set up recurring drafts for customer accounts.
Education
High School Diploma -
South Mountain High School
Phoenix, AZSome College -
Maricopa Community Colleges - Phoenix College
Phoenix, AZSkills
Timeline
Senior Payroll Accountant
Bumblebee Home Services
01.2026 - Current
Payroll Specialist
Valley Metro
08.2024 - 12.2025
Senior Payroll Specialist
Paylocity
10.2021 - 09.2024
Payroll Specialist
ADP
06.2019 - 09.2021
Claims Adjuster
State Farm
04.2018 - 02.2019
Account Protection Specialist
American Express
03.2016 - 08.2017
Collections Specialist
JPMorgan Chase
07.2011 - 09.2014
High School Diploma -
South Mountain High School
Some College -
Maricopa Community Colleges - Phoenix College