Payroll Specialist

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for supporting the accurate and timely processing of payroll for all employees in compliance with company policies, applicable laws, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements. This role assists with payroll administration for both union and non-union employees, including reviewing timekeeping records, processing payroll changes, maintaining payroll data, and responding to employee payroll inquiries. The Payroll Specialist works closely with Human Resources, Operations, and Finance to ensure payroll accuracy and maintain employee records while providing a high level of customer service and attention to detail. This position requires strong organizational skills, confidentiality, and the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Essential Job Functions: 1. Processes payroll for hourly and salaried employees in an accurate and timely manner in accordance with company policies, applicable laws, and collective bargaining agreements. 2. Ensures accurate and timely processing of payroll updates including new hires, terminations, and changes to pay rates. 3. Reviews and audits timekeeping records, attendance data, and payroll reports to ensure accuracy and compliance. 4. Resolves issues and answers payroll-related questions for employees, supervisors, and other internal stakeholders. 5. Maintains payroll records and employee data while ensuring confidentiality and data integrity. 6. Assists with payroll corrections, adjustments, garnishments, and other payroll-related transactions as needed. 7. Supports compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations and company policies. 8. Partners with Human Resources, Finance, and Operations to ensure accurate employee and payroll information.Assists with payroll reporting, reconciliations, and year-end payroll activities. 9. Resolve payroll system configuration issues, including maintaining accurate earning and deduction codes, validating calculations and rules, and ensuring overall system accuracy. 10. Performs other duties as assigned Education/Training/Experience: 1. Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. 2. Previous payroll, accounting, administrative, or related experience required. 3. Experience supporting payroll operations in a manufacturing and/or unionized environment preferred, including interpreting and administering collective bargaining agreement provisions, payroll practices, overtime calculations, shift premiums, and other contractually required pay elements. 4. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, including the ability to create and utilize formulas, pivot tables, lookups, filters, and data analysis tools to reconcile payroll data, identify discrepancies, and generate reports. 5. Experience working with payroll, HRIS, and timekeeping systems (e.g., ADP, Workforce Management, Kronos, UKG, or similar platforms) required. 6. Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to identify payroll process efficiencies and recommend system or procedural enhancements. 7. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to handle confidential information required. 8. Ability to communicate effectively and provide excellent customer service to employees and internal stakeholders. Benefits: 1. 401(k) 2. 401(k) matching 3. Dental insurance 4. Flexible spending account 5. Health insurance 6. Health savings account 7. Life insurance 8. Paid time off 9. Retirement plan 10. Vision insurance Work Location: In person