Payroll Specialist II

REI Co-op is united around discovering, building and celebrating better ways of working in this world, all so that folks can find and pursue a love of the outdoors. When you work for the co-op, you do your best work with the support to live your best life. And you play a part in shaping the future of the outdoors, for people and our planet.

The Payroll Specialist II with a garnishment background is responsible for processing payroll with a strong focus on wage garnishments, including child support orders, tax levies, and other court-ordered deductions. This role ensures accurate and timely payroll processing while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The Payroll Specialist II will collaborate with internal teams, external agencies, and employees to resolve garnishment-related inquiries and discrepancies.

Job Responsibilities:

• Prepare and processes in-house bi-weekly/weekly payroll of 14,000 employees in 45 states using Ultimate Software or other Payroll processing systems
• Process and manage all incoming garnishment orders, including child support, tax levies, creditor garnishments, and student loans.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws regarding wage garnishments.
• Maintain accurate payroll records related to garnishments, including processing updates and terminations.
• Respond to inquiries from employees, agencies, and courts regarding garnishment-related issues.
• Maintain proper documentation for all garnishment transactions and ensure records are retained per legal requirements.
• Assist in audits related to payroll garnishments and provide necessary documentation.
• Communicate with employees regarding garnishment deductions, providing clear and professional explanations.
• Research, investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies by collecting and analyzing information
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in payroll and tax compliance laws (US, State, and Local)
• Review, reconcile and enter timesheet corrections for each pay period
• Follow up with Employees for Time and Attendance submissions
• Maintain, enter and audit new or modified information
• Respond timely and professionally in response to employee and manager questions, Issues and escalations
• Assists in payroll general ledger accounts reconciliations where applicable
• Process off cycle pay runs and process manual checks when required
• Follow policies and procedures; make recommendations for changes in polices/procedures to increase efficiency
• Review and resolve payroll discrepancies in a timely and accurate manner, take appropriate actions to determine root cause and prevent similar issues from occurring  
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality and protection of all payroll and employee related data/information
• Assist team members as needed to meet department deadlines and commitments
• Projects – work on new company initiatives as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Skills & Experience

• 3 years general payroll experience
• 2 Year Accounting Degree or equivalent experience
• Proven experience with payroll garnishments in a multi-state environment or ability to achieve proficiency
• Proficient with ten-key
• Detail oriented, able to set priorities, and handle multiple tasks efficiently
• Actively participates and collaborates with others on one's own team and across REI for the achievement of business goals
• Flexible in one's viewpoints and positions in order to support the direction taken by others at REI
• Uses business knowledge, innovative thinking, and sound judgment in the solution of problems or the pursuit of business opportunities
• Consolidates information from various sources including feedback from others to reach sound decisions
• Considers the ultimate impact of decisions and actions on internal and external customers
• Works smart by setting effective work goals, establishing priorities, and planning well in order to produce quality work
• Executes effectively by using resources efficiently, meeting deadlines, and keeping others informed of work plans and progress toward goals
• Clearly conveys and accurately receives information by a variety of methods and in various situations
• Builds rapport with all kinds of people inside and outside the organization
• Acts upon opportunities and involves and influences others in the accomplishment of worthwhile organizational goals

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with MS Office products with strong proficiency with Excel (vlookup, pivot tables)
• Experience with state internet file upload programs
• Experience with Ultimate Software UltiPro Payroll systems
• Certified Payroll Professional or classes working towards certification

At REI, we believe the outdoors is for all. We are committed to becoming a fully inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization. We know that there's strength in our diversity – that each employee brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives. Every day you are driving change, fostering a culture of respect, and knowing you're backed by benefits that support your whole life. To work towards this commitment and fulfill our brand promise of inspiring and enabling a life outside for everyone, we seek employees who demonstrate different ways of working, create a sense of belonging, and actively listen and learn.  

Pay Transparency 

We are committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. As required by applicable Pay Transparency laws, REI provides a range of compensation for roles that may be hired in locations under these requirements. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include a wide array of factors, including: your specific skills and experience, geographic location or other relevant factors.   

REI offers all regular employees a generous employee discount, access to health benefits, a retirement savings plan and accrued time off.  Click here for a detailed overview of benefits plans by employee profile. 

Salary : $25 - $37