Payroll Specialist

The Payroll Specialist is a key member of the Human Resources team responsible for the accurate, timely, and compliant administration of payroll and related employee data. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on payroll professional with strong, demonstrated expertise in ADP payroll and ADP Time & Attendance. This individual will manage the end-to-end bi-weekly payroll process, including payroll preparation, reconciliation, adjustments, reporting, payroll taxes, deductions, garnishments, 401(k) funding, and employee data maintenance. The Payroll Specialist will also support HRIS administration, benefits processing, employment and income verifications, and provide guidance to employees, supervisors, and managers regarding payroll and timekeeping matters. ADP payroll experience is required. Candidates should have significant hands-on experience processing payroll in ADP. Key Responsibilities Payroll Processing & Administration ~Manage the complete bi-weekly payroll process from preparation through final transmission. ~Perform daily payroll operations and related administrative functions. ~Collect, review, and validate employee time and payroll information. ~Reconcile payroll data prior to transmission and validate payroll reports for accuracy. ~Process payroll adjustments, manual checks, off-cycle payments, and other payroll entries. ~Research and resolve payroll discrepancies in a timely manner. ADP Payroll & Time & Attendance ~Serve as a key resource and subject-matter expert for ADP Payroll and ADP Time & Attendance. ~Maintain employee payroll information and process new hires, terminations, salary changes, status changes, and other personnel actions in ADP. ~Review non-exempt employee time records for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with company policies and payroll requirements. ~Support and guide supervisors and managers in the proper use of ADP Time & Attendance. Accounting & Reconciliation ~Prepare and post payroll-related general ledger entries. ~Reconcile payroll transactions with cash accounts and investigate discrepancies. ~Coordinate payroll-related information with Finance and Accounts Payable as needed. ~Manage 401(k) payroll funding and submissions to ensure timely processing and compliance requirements are met. Compliance ~Calculate and administer wage garnishments in compliance with applicable federal and state requirements. ~Maintain working knowledge of federal and state payroll tax requirements and wage-and-hour regulations. HRIS & Employee Support ~Enter new hire and temporary employee information into UKG HRIS and ADP payroll systems. ~Maintain employee records by processing salary changes, benefit enrollments, employment status updates, and other personnel actions. ~Complete employment and income verification requests accurately and within established timelines Qualifications ~3-5+ years of hands-on payroll processing experience preferred. ~Strong, demonstrated experience processing payroll using ADP is required. ~Experience with ADP Payroll and ADP Time & Attendance strongly preferred. ~Experience independently managing a bi-weekly payroll cycle. ~Strong understanding of payroll administration principles, practices, and best practices. ~Working knowledge of federal and state payroll tax regulations, wage-and-hour requirements, and garnishment administration. ~Experience with payroll reconciliations, payroll reporting, general ledger entries, and payroll-related accounting processes. ~Experience administering 401(k) payroll funding and benefit deductions preferred. ~Experience with UKG or comparable HRIS systems preferred. ~Strong attention to detail and accuracy. ~Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the ability to meet strict payroll deadlines. ~Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.