Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist — Job Description

Key responsibilities

• Process regular and off‑cycle payrolls, including hours, overtime, deductions, bonuses, commissions, and adjustments.
• Maintain payroll records and employee data in payroll/HRIS systems (e.g., ADP, Paychex, UKG, Workday).
• Calculate and remit payroll taxes, withholdings, and benefit contributions; prepare and file statutory reports and tax returns.
• Reconcile payroll registers to general ledger and assist month‑end/quarter‑end/year‑end close activities.
• Administer new hires, terminations, leave of absence, garnishments, and payroll-related changes.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws, wage regulations, and company policies.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Prepare payroll journals, tax filings, and supporting documentation for auditors; assist with audits.
• Manage third‑party vendors (payroll providers, benefit carriers) and integrations with timekeeping/HR systems.
• Implement and document payroll processes, controls, and SOPs; recommend automation and efficiency improvements.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive payroll and employee information.
• Produce payroll reports and metrics (cost of labor, payroll variance, headcount) for finance and HR.
• Required skills & experience
• 2–5 years payroll processing experience (adjust by level) or equivalent accounting/HR experience.
• Proficiency with payroll systems (ADP, Paychex, UKG, Workday, Ceridian) and Excel (pivot tables, formulas).
• Solid knowledge of payroll taxes, wage laws, deductions, garnishments, and benefits administration.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and numerical skills.
• Effective communication and customer‑service orientation.
• Understanding of accounting principles and ability to reconcile payroll to GL.
• High integrity and ability to handle confidential information.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent