Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist

Department: Human Resources
Reports To: Chief People Officer (CPO)
FLSA Status: Exempt
Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Position Summary

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll for all employees while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations. This position administers payroll through ADP Workforce Now, maintains employee payroll records, processes new hire and employee changes, reconciles payroll transactions, and partners closely with Human Resources, Accounting, and department managers to ensure payroll accuracy and compliance.

The ideal candidate has extensive payroll experience, exceptional attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and integrity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Process weekly, bi-weekly, and/or semi-monthly payroll accurately and on schedule using ADP Workforce Now.
• Calculate employee wages, overtime, bonuses, commissions, holiday pay, sick pay, vacation pay, and other earnings and deductions.
• Verify employee time records and ensure payroll information is complete and accurate before processing.
• Process payroll adjustments, retroactive payments, garnishments, wage assignments, and other required deductions.
• Maintain employee payroll records and update payroll profiles for new hires, terminations, pay changes, deductions, tax updates, direct deposits, and other personnel changes.
• Process new hire payroll information and ensure all required documentation is accurately entered into ADP.
• Review payroll reports for accuracy and distribute daily and weekly payroll reports to department managers for verification and corrections.
• Reconcile payroll transactions with the general ledger and assist Accounting with payroll-related reconciliations.
• Prepare payroll reports, tax reports, and other payroll documentation as requested.
• Assist with payroll tax reporting and year-end processing, including W-2 preparation and reconciliation.
• Conduct periodic audits of payroll records to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local wage and hour laws.
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee payroll inquiries promptly and professionally.
• Assist Human Resources during internal and external payroll audits.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee payroll and personnel information.
• Stay current on payroll legislation, tax regulations, and ADP system updates.
• Collaborate with Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, and Operations to ensure payroll accuracy and compliance.
• Recommend improvements to payroll processes and procedures to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, Finance, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of full-cycle payroll processing experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience using ADP Workforce Now required.
• Strong understanding of payroll processing, payroll taxes, wage and hour laws, and payroll compliance.
• Experience processing payroll for multiple departments and/or multiple locations preferred.
• Experience with payroll reconciliations and payroll reporting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of ADP Workforce Now and ADP Reporting.
• Excellent mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to interpret payroll regulations and company policies.
• Ability to identify payroll discrepancies and resolve issues efficiently.
• Strong customer service skills when assisting employees with payroll-related questions.
• Ability to work under pressure and consistently meet payroll deadlines.

Preferred Certifications

The following certifications are preferred but not required:

• Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
• SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
• Professional in Human Resources (PHR)

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer.
• Ability to communicate effectively by phone, email, and in person.
• Occasionally lift and carry up to 15 pounds.

Work Environment

This position is primarily performed in an office environment and requires regular use of computers, payroll software, and standard office equipment. The Payroll Specialist must be able to maintain confidentiality while working with sensitive employee and company information.

Pay: $27.36 - $32.95 per hour

Work Location: In person

Salary : $27 - $33