Payroll Specialist

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing. This role requires strong technical skills, sound judgment, and the ability to manage moderately complex payroll tasks with minimal supervision. The position partners with HR, Finance, and department leaders to maintain payroll data integrity and support process improvements.

*Process full-cycle payroll on a regular schedule, including verifying hours, reviewing timekeeping data, and ensuring accurate wage calculations.
*Maintain and audit payroll records, including employee changes, tax updates, benefits deductions, and direct deposit information.
*Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies, collaborating with managers and employees to correct errors.
*Calculate and process special payments such as bonuses, incentives, shift premiums, and retroactive adjustments.
*Perform administrative tasks, including sorting and scanning mail and completing daily reports and audits (terminations, garnishment refunds).
*Serve as first point of contact, monitoring the payroll email inbox and answering incoming phone calls.
*Generate and reconcile payroll reports for internal stakeholders and month-end processing.
*Assist with garnishments, tax withholdings, benefit deductions, and other statutory requirements.
*Respond to employee inquiries with a strong customer service approach, escalating complex issues when necessary.
*Support quarterly and year-end activities, including W-2 preparation, audits, and data validation.

Qualifications
*Experience: 2-5 years of payroll processing experience required; multi-state payroll experience preferred.

Technical Skills:
oProficiency with payroll software (e.g., ADP, UKG, Paycom, Ceridian, Workday, SAP/ECP).
oStrong Excel skills (VLOOKUP, PivotTables, formulas).

Knowledge:
oSolid understanding of payroll regulations (FLSA, tax rules, garnishments).
oFamiliarity with benefit deductions, timekeeping systems, and general accounting principles.

Soft Skills:
oStrong analytical and problemsolving abilities.
oHigh attention to detail and accuracy.
oExcellent communication and customer service skills.
oAbility to manage deadlines and work independently.

Core Competencies
*Accuracy & Critical Thinking
*Communication & Collaboration
*Problem Solving
*Time Management
*Confidentiality & Professionalism
*Process Improvement Mindset

Working Conditions
*Standard in office policy.
*Must be able to meet strict deadlines during payroll cycles and yearend periods. Overtime is sometimes required.