Payroll Clerk

Position Overview

The Payroll Clerk is responsible for administering time and attendance payroll functions for a union workforce, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing through the reconciliation of employee hours, incentive pay, production data, and payroll adjustments.

This position works closely with supervisors, operations, employees, and Human Resources to resolve payroll discrepancies and ensure payroll activities comply with applicable union agreements, employment policies, and benefits practices.

Position Details

• Location: South Bend, IN

• Work Model: 100% On-site

• Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Additional Availability: Must be available to work Saturdays as needed and have flexibility to support second-shift coverage when required.

• Employment Type: Temp-to-Hire

• Classification: Non-Exempt / Hourly

Key Responsibilities

Payroll & Timekeeping

• Manage daily payroll operations within ADP eTime, including entering, reviewing, and clearing timecard exceptions.

• Review and verify employee hours to ensure accurate payroll processing.

• Track, document, and process payroll adjustments using supervisor-approved documentation.

• Resolve payroll discrepancies and respond to employee questions regarding:

  • Timecards

  • Pay

  • Payroll adjustments

• Conduct payroll audits to ensure accuracy, compliance, and overall process integrity.

• Generate and distribute payroll and operational reports as needed.

Payroll Reconciliation & Production Data

• Collaborate with supervisors and operators to verify employee hours, production data, and incentive pay.

• Reconcile daily payroll and production summaries to ensure alignment between timekeeping and manufacturing systems.

• Enter and maintain production data within time and attendance and manufacturing systems.

• Prepare shift summaries and maintain detailed spreadsheets to support operational planning.

• Maintain accurate spreadsheet-based payroll tracking and reconciliation.

Union Payroll & HR Partnership

• Partner closely with Human Resources to ensure payroll processing complies with union contracts, employment policies, and benefits practices.

• Maintain accurate tracking and reconciliation of union dues payments.

• Support payroll requirements specific to a unionized workforce.

• Communicate effectively with employees, supervisors, HR, and other cross-functional teams regarding payroll matters.

Process Improvement & Administrative Support

• Support process improvement initiatives between operations and payroll to improve efficiency and accuracy.

• Train and support team members on payroll processes and system usage.

• Document internal payroll procedures and maintain organized records.

• Perform additional administrative responsibilities, including:

  • Label printing

  • Static record reviews

  • General administrative support

• Assist with basic accounting-related tasks as needed.

Required Skills & Experience

• 1+ years of experience with ADP eTime or a similar payroll/timekeeping system.

• 1+ years of experience working within a union environment.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, particularly for:

  • Data tracking

  • Reconciliation

  • Reporting

  • Spreadsheet-based data management

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

• Experience identifying, researching, and resolving payroll discrepancies.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet daily deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to independently identify and resolve discrepancies.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to effectively communicate with employees, supervisors, HR, and cross-functional teams.

Preferred Experience

• Previous experience within a manufacturing environment.

• Experience or exposure to SAP.

• Basic accounting knowledge or experience.

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

• College coursework in Accounting, Business, or a related field preferred.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Applicable pre-employment screening may include:

• Background screening

• Drug screening

• Education verification