Payroll Specialist

Job Description

Position Summary

The Payroll Specialist supports the accurate and timely processing of payroll for approximately 3,000 multistate employees. This role performs a variety of payroll support functions that may include time & attendance (T&A) review, absence administration, employee inquiry resolution, payroll data updates, and routine payroll corrections.

Responsibilities

Employee Support (Primary Focus)

• Serve as first point of contact for payroll inquiries from employees and managers.
• Respond to questions regarding paychecks, taxes, deductions, and earnings statements.
• Manage payroll ticketing system and resolve issues within established SLAs.

Payroll Data Administration

• Process employee updates including direct deposits, W-4 changes, tax withholding updates, address changes, and basic pay changes.
• Audit employee data for completeness and accuracy.
• Assist with retro pay calculations and payroll corrections.
• Monitor daily timecard activity and follow up to system discrepancies

Payroll Processing Support

• Assist Senior Payroll Specialist with pre-payroll audits, validations, and reconciliations.
• Support bonus and variable compensation processing by preparing files, validating inputs, and assisting with imports.
• Assist with off-cycle check requests and payment corrections as needed.

Compliance & Recordkeeping

• Maintain accurate documentation of payroll changes and approvals.
• Support payroll audit initiatives by providing requested information and reports.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and federal/state/local regulations.

Project & M&A Support

• Assist with data cleanup and validation during system changes or acquisitions.
• Participate in testing activities for system enhancements and updates.

Qualifications

Required:

• Strong customer service skills
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment

Preferred:

• Experience with basic excel formulas
• Exposure to payroll, timekeeping, or HR operations
• Knowledge of multistate wage and tax rules
• Prior payroll experience
• Prior experience handling payroll tickets or employee inquiries

Core Competencies

• Customer focus
• Detail orientation
• Communication
• Problem solving
• Data accuracy
• Team collaboration