Lead Payroll Specialist

NOW HIRING: LEAD PAYROLL SPECIALIST

Monday–Friday | Full-Time | On-site in Douglassville, PA

Ready to take on payroll in a high-impact, hands-on role? American Crane & Equipment Corporation (ACECO) is seeking a Lead Payroll Specialist to support and execute all payroll processing activities while strengthening compliance, accuracy, and process reliability across the organization. This is a working lead role (not a manager) that operates as a peer within the payroll function. You will actively process payroll, share full ownership of payroll execution, and play a critical role in reducing operational risk, improving compliance across a multi-state and traveling workforce, and stabilizing a high-demand payroll function.

Job Title: Lead Payroll Specialist

Department: Payroll / Finance
Location: Plant 1 – Douglassville, PA
Schedule: Monday–Friday | Full-time hours on-site
Job Classification: Non-exempt
Compensation: Competitive starting hourly rate up to $38/hour based on experience and qualifications

Why Join American Crane? (Check us out on YouTube here)

High-Impact Role – Directly support a critical business function with full ownership of payroll execution

Stability & Structure – Help strengthen processes, documentation, and compliance across payroll operations

Collaborative Environment – Work closely with HR, Finance, and leadership teams

Growth Opportunity – Build depth in multi-state payroll, compliance, and system improvement initiatives

What You’ll Do

Payroll Processing & Execution

• Process weekly payroll accurately and on time using ADP Workforce Now
• Share full payroll processing responsibilities with Payroll Specialist and HR support
• Independently execute the full payroll cycle end-to-end
• Process payroll components including garnishments, PTO payouts, incentives, HSA deductions, and travel-related pay

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure payroll compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Maintain compliance with multi-state payroll requirements and applicable prevailing wage regulations
• Review payroll data to ensure accurate tax treatment across jurisdictions
• Support audits, reporting requirements, and regulatory compliance

Process Documentation & Improvement

• Document payroll processes to ensure redundancy and continuity
• Maintain and update documentation as systems and workflows evolve
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce risk
• Support system enhancements and integration initiatives

Cross-Training & Redundancy

• Cross-train with Payroll Specialist and HR Administrator to ensure full coverage
• Eliminate single points of failure within payroll operations
• Provide backup support to maintain payroll continuity

Reporting & Analysis

• Generate and review payroll reports for accuracy and trends
• Support financial reporting, budgeting, and insurance-related data requests
• Provide insights and recommendations based on payroll data

Collaboration & Support

• Serve as a key point of contact for payroll-related questions across the organization
• Partner with HR, Finance, and leadership teams
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across payroll and related processes

What We’re Looking For

Education

• Associate’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field preferred
• Equivalent payroll experience will be considered

Experience

• 3–5 years of hands-on payroll processing experience required
• Proven experience managing multi-state payroll required
• Experience supporting a traveling workforce preferred
• Prevailing wage payroll experience strongly preferred

Technical Skills

• ADP Workforce Now experience strongly preferred
• Strong knowledge of payroll compliance including garnishments, tax withholdings, overtime laws, and benefit deductions
• Experience with payroll data validation, reporting, and reconciliation
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills

Core Competencies

• High level of discretion and confidentiality
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to operate in evolving or partially undocumented systems
• Process improvement mindset without disrupting team dynamics
• Strong collaboration skills in a peer-based environment

REQUIREMENTS

• Authorization to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship
• Ability to verify identity and employment authorization (Form I-9)
• Eligibility to access information or technology governed by U.S. export control laws (including 10 C.F.R. Part 810, EAR, and/or ITAR), where applicable
• Willingness to undergo a background check in accordance with applicable laws
• Willingness to undergo a pre-employment drug screen and participate in randomized drug testing during employment
• Ability to meet the posted work schedule and required hours
• Ability to maintain reliable attendance and punctuality
• Willingness to follow all company safety policies and procedures
• Willingness to wear required PPE when in shop or manufacturing areas
• Willingness to complete required safety, compliance, and role-specific training
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and professional conduct
• Ability to work on-site five (5) days per week

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION

• Ability to sit for extended periods while performing computer-based work
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing and data entry
• Ability to manage high volumes of detailed, accuracy-driven work
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential payroll information
• Ability to meet deadlines in a time-sensitive payroll environment

Work Environment

• Professional office environment with full-time, on-site presence required
• Frequent collaboration with HR, Finance, and leadership teams
• Work involves handling sensitive and confidential information
• High attention to detail and accuracy required in all tasks

What’s In It For You?

The Foundation

• Competitive hourly rate based on experience, skills, and market data
• Comprehensive medical, vision, dental, and life insurance available day one (no wait)
• Generous paid time off (unused PTO rolls over each year)
• 401(k) retirement plan
• 10 paid company holidays
• Wellness plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Role-Specific Highlights – Lead Payroll Specialist

• High-ownership role with full visibility into payroll operations and business impact
• Opportunity to strengthen and improve payroll processes in a multi-state, complex environment

How to Apply:

• Submit your application online at Recruitment (adp.com)

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screen, subject to applicable laws and regulations

American Crane & Equipment Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The company maintains and observes employment policies that do not discriminate against any person because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability, age, ancestry and any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. This applies to recruiting, hiring, training, compensation, overtime, job classifications, work assignments, promotions, demotions, layoffs, terminations, transfers, and all other conditions of employment.

This position requires:

• Valid proof of identity and authorization to work in the U.S. (Form I-9)
• Eligibility to access information or technology governed by U.S. export control laws, including 10 C.F.R. Part 810. If government authorization is required for access to controlled technology, employment or start date may be delayed or withdrawn in accordance with applicable law
• Certain positions and projects may require the ability to obtain and maintain unescorted access to nuclear facilities in compliance with NRC regulations (10 C.F.R. Parts 26 & 73)

The pay for this position is dependent on circumstances including an applicant’s skills and qualifications, certain degrees and certifications, prior job experience, market data, and other relevant factors.

American Crane & Equipment Corporation offers a wide array of comprehensive benefit programs and services including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts to our benefits-eligible employees. Additional benefits include retirement savings plans like 401(k) and paid time off, paid holidays, and disability coverage. Some benefits offerings are subject to any legal requirements or limitations, employee eligibility status, and where the employee lives and/or works.

NOTE: American Crane & Equipment Corporation is not seeking assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms for employment opportunities, unless they have a written agreement for the position they are contacting us about. Regardless of past practice, all resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at American Crane & Equipment Corporation without a valid written search agreement in place for that position will be deemed the sole property of American Crane & Equipment Corporation, and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by American Crane & Equipment Corporation as a result of the referral or through other means.