Payroll Specialist

Description Job Summary

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for accurately processing and administering payroll for all employees across the organization. This role ensures payroll is completed on time, in compliance with federal and state regulations, and aligned with internal policies. The Payroll Specialist will serve as a primary user of Paylocity, managing payroll data entry, timekeeping audits, and employee inquiries while providing high-quality service to staff and leadership.

• Process full-cycle payroll on a [bi-weekly and semi-monthly] schedule.
• Enter, review, and verify payroll data including new hires, terminations, rate changes, bonuses, stipends, and special pay.
• Audit timecards, missed punches, scheduling, and exception reports in Paylocity Time & Labor.
• Ensure accurate calculation of wages, overtime, shift differentials, and premium pay in accordance with company policies and state/federal laws.
• Prepare and verify payroll preview and post-processing reports for accuracy.
• Monitor payroll deadlines, ensuring approvals and adjustments are completed on time.
• Ensure payroll practices comply with FLSA, state wage and hour laws, and internal policies.
• Process and validate garnishments, wage attachments, tax changes, and other mandatory deductions.
• Assist with year-end activities including W-2 review, reconciliation, and distribution.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing payroll reports and documentation.
• Serve as the first point of contact for payroll questions from employees and managers.
• Provide clear and timely responses regarding timesheets, paychecks, tax forms, and direct deposit.
• Educate staff on Paylocity features including time entry, self-service access, and paystub retrieval.
• Generate routine and ad-hoc payroll reports for HR, Finance, operations, and leadership.
• Reconcile payroll reports to ensure accuracy of labor allocation, deductions, and hours worked.
• Escalate complex issues to the Payroll Manager or HR leadership as appropriate

• Strong understanding of payroll processing, timekeeping, and wage and hour regulations.
• Hands‑on experience with Paylocity required or strongly preferred (Payroll, Time & Labor, HR modules).
• High accuracy, attention to detail, and the ability to manage sensitive payroll data confidentially.
• Strong customer service skills and ability to communicate clearly with employees at all levels.
• Ability to analyze data, reconcile reports, and troubleshoot discrepancies.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other payroll-related tools.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• 2–4 years of payroll processing experience required, preferably in a multi‑site or healthcare environment.
• Prior experience using Paylocity is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of multi‑state payroll regulations is a plus.
• Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or similar credentials are preferred but not required. Experience in payroll tax laws and regulations across