Payroll Specialist (Full-Time)

Location: Tucson, AZ (Corporate / Campus Operations) | On-Site

Type: Full-Time | FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Compensation: $25.62 – $32.03 per hour

Position Summary

A Day in the Life of a Payroll Specialist:

Looking for a payroll role where your expertise truly matters? As our Payroll Specialist, you’ll leverage UKG Payroll/HR software to streamline processes, ensure multi-state compliance, and make a direct impact—all while growing your skills in a collaborative, employee-owned environment.

Enjoy long-term stability, professional development, and the satisfaction of ensuring our faculty, staff, and leadership are paid accurately and on time!

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Processing & Multi-State Compliance:

• Core Processing: Ensure accurate, multi-state payroll processing using UKG Payroll/HR software; transmit and receive payroll files while maintaining peak data integrity.
• Taxation & Compliance: Review and set up state tax items, process payroll tax amendments, and maintain active knowledge of local, state, and federal payroll laws.
• Deductions & Verifications: Complete employment verifications and manage wage garnishments, child support orders, tax levies, and other mandatory payroll deductions.
  
  

Audit, General Ledger & Reporting

• Data Audits: Conduct thorough audits of employee time cards, payroll accounts, and miscellaneous deduction accounts.
• GL & Financials: Audit, balance, and process General Ledger (GL) payroll files and financial reporting; assist external teams with annual audit preparations.
• Management Reports: Generate, analyze, and submit recurring and ad-hoc payroll reports to campus leadership and regulatory agencies.
  
  

System Configuration & Process Improvement

• UKG Maintenance: Configure and maintain timesheets, pay groups, earning/deduction codes, and employee status updates within the HRIS platform.
• Pay Structures: Research, build, and maintain complex pay structures and tax configurations to support diverse campus setups.
• Efficiency Improvements: Identify and implement continuous process improvements to boost overall payroll efficiency and workflows.
  
  

Employee Support & Team Collaboration

• Customer Service: Address employee and faculty inquiries regarding pay stubs, tax withholdings, deductions, and Paid Time Off (PTO) balances.
• Cross-Functional Partnering: Collaborate closely with HR, Accounting, and Campus Operations to ensure consistent and synchronized employee data.
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Experience: Minimum of four (4) years of hands-on experience in payroll, human resources, and high-level customer service.
• Software Proficiency: Hands-on experience with UKG (Ultimate/Kronos) or equivalent enterprise HRIS/Payroll platforms; advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of payroll taxation, wage garnishments, state-by-state compliance, and general ledger operations.
• Data Integrity: Demonstrated track record of handling sensitive employee data with strict confidentiality and discretion.
• Communication: Clear, professional verbal and written communication skills across all organizational levels.
• Equivalent Education/Experience: Any equivalent combination of training, education, or experience that satisfies the minimum requirements will be considered.
  
  

Compensation & Employee-Owner Benefits

• Hiring Range: $25.62 to $32.03 per hour.
• Ownership: Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)—become a direct stakeholder in our 100% employee-owned company.
• Retirement: 401(k) Plan with employer matching contributions.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive Medical (PPO & 2 HDHP with HSA options), Dental, and Vision coverage, plus a Health & Wellness Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Income Protection: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), and company-paid Basic Life Insurance.
• Time Off & Growth: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Company Holidays, and Tuition Reimbursement.