Payroll Specialist

Position Overview

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for supporting the accurate and timely processing of payroll for all employees while ensuring compliance with company policies, applicable federal, state, and local regulations, and collective bargaining agreements.

This role supports payroll administration for both union and non-union employees, including reviewing timekeeping records, processing payroll changes, maintaining payroll data, and responding to employee inquiries. The Payroll Specialist works closely with Human Resources, Operations, and Finance to ensure payroll accuracy, maintain employee records, and provide exceptional internal customer service.

The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, discretion when handling confidential information, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Processing & Administration

• Process payroll for hourly and salaried employees accurately and on schedule.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, payroll regulations, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Process payroll updates, including:
• New hires
• Terminations
• Pay rate changes
• Employee status changes
• Assist with payroll corrections, adjustments, garnishments, and other payroll-related transactions.

Payroll Auditing & Compliance

• Review and audit timekeeping records, attendance data, and payroll reports to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Support compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations.
• Maintain payroll records and employee data while ensuring confidentiality and data integrity.
• Assist with year-end payroll activities and reporting requirements.

Employee & Internal Support

• Respond to payroll-related questions and issues from employees, supervisors, and internal stakeholders.
• Partner with Human Resources, Finance, and Operations to ensure employee and payroll information remains accurate and up to date.
• Provide excellent customer service while resolving payroll discrepancies and concerns.

Payroll Systems & Process Improvement

• Maintain payroll system accuracy by:
• Managing earning and deduction codes
• Validating payroll calculations and business rules
• Troubleshooting system configuration issues
• Support payroll reporting, reconciliations, and data analysis activities.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes and recommend system or procedural enhancements.
• Assist with payroll-related projects and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Previous experience in payroll, accounting, administrative support, or a related field.
• Experience working with payroll, HRIS, and timekeeping systems such as:
• ADP
• Kronos
• UKG
• Workforce Management platforms
• Similar payroll systems
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including:
• Formulas
• Pivot tables
• VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP functions
• Filters
• Data analysis tools
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience will be considered.
• Experience supporting payroll operations within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience working in a unionized workforce and administering payroll in accordance with collective bargaining agreements.
• Knowledge of:
• Overtime calculations
• Shift differentials and premiums
• Union payroll practices
• Contractually required pay provisions
• Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to identify efficiencies and implement process enhancements.