Payroll Specialist

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for accurately, efficiently, and compliantly processing payroll for all employees. This role requires strong attention to detail, a solid understanding of payroll laws and regulations, and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion. The Payroll Specialist works closely with HR, Finance, and department managers to ensure payroll accuracy and to support employees with payroll-related questions.

Responsibilities:

• Process biweekly and monthly payroll for all employees with a high level of accuracy
• Process employee terminations and ensure final pay is completed correctly
• Review and validate timecards, hours worked, overtime, PTO, and other earnings
• Ensure proper application of pay rates, shift differentials, bonuses, and special pay
• Audit payroll reports before final submission to identify and resolve discrepancies
• Ensure payroll compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (FLSA, wage and hour laws, state-specific requirements)
• Process and verify federal, state, and local tax withholding
• Support quarterly and annual tax filings, including W‑2 and W‑2c corrections.
• Stay up to date on payroll regulations, tax changes, and compliance requirements
• Process wage garnishments and review tax rate notices
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries promptly and professionally
• Provide clear guidance to employees regarding pay, deductions, and timekeeping
• Troubleshoot and resolve payroll issues or discrepancies
• Prepare payroll reports for Finance, HR, and leadership as needed
• Reconcile payroll accounts and assist with month‑end and year‑end close processes
• Maintain accurate payroll documentation for audits and internal controls in accordance with Sarbanes‑Oxley requirements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• 2 years of experience using an HCM database as a practitioner
• 2 years of payroll experience
• Must be detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and have flexibility in working in a fast-paced team environment
• Strong written/verbal communication (employee communications and presentations)
• Proficient in Microsoft office
• Custom Reporting experience in HCM system a plus