Payroll Specialist

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for processing payroll accurately and on schedule, maintaining payroll records, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and company policies. This role includes data entry, auditing timekeeping records, responding to employee inquiries, and assisting with payroll reporting. The Payroll Specialist works closely with HR and Finance teams to support smooth payroll operations and contribute to continuous process improvements.

Payroll Specialist responsibilities and essential job functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Process weekly payrolls for employees across multiple companies and states, ensuring the accuracy of hours worked, wage calculations, tax information, bonuses, deductions and reimbursements. 
• Reviews hourly timecards daily for accuracy in preparation for payroll processing; coordinate with managers to resolve discrepancies.
• Compile, and record various payroll related data in the HRIS system, e.g., pay rates, tax withholding, insurance deductions, expense reimbursements, etc.
• Process direct deposit changes, wage garnishments, and verifications of employment.  
• Serves as point of contact for employees and managers; provide guidance on payroll procedures and policies, pay rates, benefit deductions, leave accruals, and other payroll related topics.
• Collaborate with and train managers on time keeping system; ensuring understanding of time card accuracy and payroll deadlines.
• Stay updated with federal, state, and local tax laws and regulations.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• High School Diploma or GED; Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience preferred
• 2 years’ payroll or related work experience; processing multi-state payroll preferred
• Previous payroll and HRIS system experience; Paycor, ADP and Oracle Cloud 
• Experience with TMS (Transportation Management Systems) such as McLeod is a plus 

• General knowledge and understanding of wage and hours laws and regulatory compliance as it relates to payroll

• Strong communication skills, both written and oral, and inter-personal skills, with the ability to clearly and effectively communicate with people in all levels of the organization

• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and providing unmatched customer service 
• Highly detailed and organized and able to handle multiple ongoing tasks and projects 
• Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently; Spanish is a plus