Payroll Specialist

Salary: $60,000 - $70,000 annually ( eligible for 10% Bonus)

Full Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday

Job Summary

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the preparation and bi-weekly processing of complex, multi-company and multi-state payrolls. This includes managing multiple pay types, commissions, benefit accruals, pre-tax and after-tax deductions, and time and attendance records. The role ensures full compliance with payroll-related tax laws and coordinates closely with HR, Accounting, and external vendors. The Payroll Specialist will also assist with payroll-related reporting, HRIS integrations, and system implementations as needed.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Process complex, multi-company, multi-state payrolls on a bi-weekly basis for all employees, including 1099 Independent Contractors.
• Validate and ensure accuracy of time and attendance data across pay groups; provide guidance and training to managers and employees as needed.
• Research, calculate, and process employee earnings, deductions, garnishments, and federal/state tax with holdings accurately and in compliance with applicable laws.
• Serve as the primary payroll contact for employees; research and resolve payroll discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Oversee compilation and organization of payroll exceptions, commissions and bonus reports, and employee expenses to ensure accurate payroll.
• Establish and maintain new entity payroll tax accounts, including federal, state, local, unemployment, and disability registrations.
• Coordinate payroll tax filings and ensure timely submission of required payments in partnership with Accounting.
• Process authorized employee changes throughout the employment cycle (hires, terminations, pay changes, etc.) and prepare summary reports for management.
• Maintain and reconcile payroll general ledger integrations with Accounting, ensuring accurate labor cost allocations.
• Prepare and distribute recurring and ad hoc payroll reports for management, and train managers on available self-service reporting tools.
• Complete required wage verifications for unemployment, disability, and workers’ compensation claims.
• Manage annual W-2 and 1099 processing.
• Draft and coordinate payroll-related employee communications with HR and management.
• Stay current on employment tax law changes and HR compliance requirements, ensuring consistent application across all payroll processes.
• Support HR and Accounting with system configuration and data structure changes related to workforce or organizational updates.
• Assist with HRIS module implementations, testing, and employee training.
• Help maintain payroll-related forms, policies, and resources.
• Participate in special projects or other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• 3 - 5 years of related payroll experience in a multi-entity corporate environment.
• Minimum 3 years of experience managing payroll and timekeeping systems (UKG preferred).
• Proven expertise in payroll tax compliance, account setup, and reporting.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, GL interfaces, and labor cost allocations.
• Knowledge of HR and Accounting data integration processes.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Must have reliable transportation and the ability to perform essential job functions.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field.
• Professional certifications such as CPP, CCP, PHR, or SPHR.
• Experience processing diverse pay types across multiple company codes and locations.
• Experience with benefit administration and vendor coordination a plus.

Core Competencies:

• Confidentiality and integrity in handling sensitive information.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
• Analytical thinker with effective problem-solving and follow-through skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to train and support others.
• Independent and dependable work ethic with a collaborative mindset.
• Proactive planner with strong process management and continuous improvement mindset.