Payroll Specialist

Under moderate supervision from Payroll Leadership, the Payroll Specialist oversees payroll processing activities to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations in accordance with federal and state laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Responsibilities include payroll calculations and corrections, validation and reconciliation of payroll entries, integrations, garnishments, payroll taxes, W-2s, and on- and off-cycle payments. This role also serves as a subject matter expert for payroll processes, timekeeping systems, and specialized payroll functions.

Essential Functions

• Payroll Processing & Reconciliation

  • Manage end-to-end payroll processing for regular and off-cycle payrolls, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

  • Review and resolve payroll cycle issues, trends, and exceptions.

  • Interpret and apply payroll policies related to overtime, shift premiums, and incentive payments.

  • Serve as a primary contact for payroll-related questions across the organization.

• Deductions, Garnishments & Remittances

  • Process employee deduction, integration, and remittance files, including union contributions, 403(b), and 457 plan payments.

  • Reconcile general ledger accounts and ensure accurate account distributions.

  • Manage involuntary deductions, including child support, garnishments, and levies.

  • Process garnishment correspondence, balance related files each pay cycle, and coordinate with third-party processors, legal representatives, and government agencies to ensure accurate withholding and timely remittance.

• Payroll Taxes & Account Management

  • Ensure payroll taxes are accurately applied and reported throughout the year.

  • Manage payroll tax exceptions, tax filings through ADP, and employee tax corrections.

  • Set up and monitor employee-level accounts receivable, loan forgiveness, and miscellaneous deductions.

  • Partner with Accounting to monitor and reconcile general ledger accounts.

• Payroll Funding & Documentation

  • Verify payroll payments, reconcile ADP files, and communicate funding requirements to Treasury.

  • Maintain and update general payroll procedures and checklists to ensure documentation remains accurate and current.

• Payroll Adjustments & Systems Support

  • Calculate and process pay adjustments related to interim rate or position changes, incentives, premiums, retroactive payments, and special wages.

  • Provide support for timekeeping systems and Workday payroll applications.

  • Research and resolve complex payroll and timekeeping issues submitted by employees, time editors, and leaders through ticketing systems such as ServiceNow.

  • Assist the payroll team with processing questions, system testing, and process improvement and quality initiatives.

• Time & Attendance Support

  • Serve as a subject matter expert for time and attendance systems.

  • Train time editors and address inquiries related to timekeeping, badge issues, and reporting.

  • Maintain current knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulations, organizational policies, pay practices, procedures, and union contracts.

  • Calculate and process employee wage repayments as needed.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Five years of relevant payroll experience.

• Experience processing payroll for an organization with 1,000 or more employees.

• Experience using Workday Payroll or another ERP system in an organization with 1,000 or more employees.

Preferred

• Associate degree or equivalent education in a related field.

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification.