Client Payroll Specialist

The Payroll Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This position manages all payroll-related activities within ADP Workforce Now, processes new hires and benefit enrollments, and provides exceptional customer service to employees and managers. The Payroll Coordinator works closely with HR and Finance teams to maintain accurate payroll records, address discrepancies, and handle complex payroll issues with efficiency and professionalism.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Processing & Accuracy

• Responsible for building staff weekly payroll (multiple unions primarily 32BJ); Approx 500 employees
• Process weekly and bi-weekly payroll for all employees with 100% accuracy and on-time delivery.
• Process new hires, employee changes voluntary deductions in the payroll system
• Prepare and process garnishments

• Calculate new hire pay, termination pay, and any required adjustment to normal pay
• Process stop payments or payroll adjustments
• Calculate bonuses as requested

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations, avoiding penalties or audits.
• Maintain up-to-date payroll records and ensure all employee information and pay calculations are precise.
• Conduct quarterly audits of payroll processes to identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Address and resolve payroll-related inquiries within 24 hours, fostering high client and employee satisfaction.
• Educate employees on payroll policies and procedures to minimize recurring issues.

Compliance & Record Management

• Ensure compliance with all employment laws and regulations, maintaining a zero-violation audit record.
• Keep payroll records accurate and up-to-date in the HRIS system, achieving 100% compliance during audits.
• Respond promptly to audit and information requests, including 401(k) reports and other required documentation.

Employee Support & Collaboration

• Provide outstanding customer service to employees and managers regarding payroll-related questions or concerns.
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies, processing pay adjustments when necessary.
• Handle payroll duties in the absence of the Payroll Manager.

Process Improvement & Reporting

• Prepare accurate reports, including payroll summaries, 401(k) deductions, employer matches, and other required data.
• Update payroll records for pay adjustments, employee status changes, and other updates in a timely manner.

Qualifications

• Associate degree required, with a minimum of 2 years of high-volume payroll processing experience.
• Experience handling complex payroll issues such as prevailing wages (preferred).
• Experience working with unions preferred; Knowledge of 32BJ union rules is a plus
• Experience within Real Estate/Property Management is a plus
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and payroll software (ADP Workforce Now, Workday).
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information.