Senior Payroll Specialist

Overview

We are passionate about our employees. We strive to create an environment that is stimulating and motivating and a culture that fosters mutual respect, teamwork, and career development. Come join the Keystone team so we can build your career together!

In addition to competitive starting salaries, we offer a wide variety of competitive benefits, perks and programs that provide our employees the resources to pursue their goals, both at work and in their personal lives. Please visit our website at  to learn more about Keystone Industries and career opportunities.

• Title: Senior Payroll Specialist
• Schedule: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, M-F, with some flexibility.
• Location: Gibbstown, NJ (08027)
• Salary Range: $70,000 - $80,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications.

The Senior Payroll Specialist is responsible for end-to-end payroll operations and related processes with a strong emphasis on compliance, accuracy, and efficiency. This role requires advanced expertise in federal/state payroll laws, HRIS, and proven ability in reporting and analytics to support business decision-making.

• Payroll Processing and Support
  • Administer and process weekly multi-state payroll while ensuring full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Monitor, interpret, communicate, and apply changes to wage and hour laws, tax requirements, and new legislative updates, ensuring payroll practices and system configurations are accurate and compliant.
  • Review and validate payroll data including timekeeping, deductions, benefits, and garnishments.
  • Partner with HR, Finance, and other cross-functional teams to resolve payroll-related issues.
  • Respond to employee inquiries with professionalism and accuracy.
• Compliance
  • Lead payroll compliance and various audit activities, serving as the primary contact for workers’ compensation and 401(k) audits. Prepare and validate payroll, census, and classification data; respond to auditor or broker requests; and ensure timely, accurate, and compliant reporting.
  • Oversee the W-2 reporting cycle by reconciling year-end payroll data, coordinating corrections, and ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely distribution of W-2 forms and filings.
  • Manage and maintain data integrity.
• System Expertise
  • Maintain expertise in system functionality, including payroll processing, timekeeping, reporting, and configuration updates.
  • Configure, troubleshoot, and optimize payroll workflows.
  • Partner with HR and IT to implement system upgrades and enhancements.
• Reporting and Analytics
  • Develop and maintain all payroll and workforce reports.
  • Provide analytics on labor costs, overtime trends, and payroll variances.
  • Deliver actionable insights to HR, Finance, and leadership teams.
• Perform additional duties/tasks as needed or requested by management.

• Minimum 5-7 years of multi-state payroll experience.
• In-depth understanding of payroll-related taxes and compliance, including federal, state, and local requirements.
• Proven experience in payroll reporting and analytics, with the ability to leverage data to support business decisions and process improvements.
• Hands-on proficiency in payroll software/systems, specifically UKG Pro or Ulti Pro.
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet weekly payroll deadlines.
• Exceptional computer skills (Microsoft Office) with advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
• Strong attention to detail and critical thinking skills - ability to identify discrepancies and recommend improvements.
• Proactive approach - ability to problem solve and make recommendations for efficiencies.
• Excellent oral, written, listening, and presentation skills - ability to clearly articulate complex information to others in various forums.
• Demonstrated integrity and professionalism.
• Proven ability to perform under deadlines, to adjust plans to meet changing needs and requirements.
• Must be an effective team player - ability to work with employees of all levels.
• Self-starter, strong initiative, dependable and capable of following through with minimal supervision.

• Previous experience supporting both manufacturing and office environments.
• Ability to train and act as mentor for best practices for the payroll function.
• Previous experience with system integrations and improvements.

• Associates degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred.

• Comply with all safety regulations; maintains a safe work environment at all times.
• Adhere to wearing the proper PPE/Safety equipment.
• Understand and comply with all written safety, health, and environmental procedures.
• Attend all required Health, Safety and Environmental training sessions.
• Participate in Health, Safety and Environmental initiatives and programs.
• Perform administrative functions related to Health, Safety and Environmental functions such as completing forms, checklists, and log sheets.

The physical…