Payroll Specialist

Position Summary: 

As Payroll Specialist you will be responsible for collecting, verifying, and properly processing payroll for various divisions of the company. The successful candidate will have responsibility for reporting and providing key payroll information to ensure good commercial decision making and working closely with finance and HR team management to ensure proper accounting. This will be a hybrid role and all applicants must be located in or around the Missoula, MT area.

Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Preparing and maintaining all payroll operations according to company policies and procedures
• Responsible for the coordination efforts between payroll, human resources, accounting and other departments to ensure proper flow and maintenance of employee data (including preparation/distribution of detailed reports, e.g. straight time, overtime, leave balances, head count, and retirement contribution reports) 
• Responsible for the preparation and processing of weekly payroll on two separate bi-weekly pay cycles; review and ensure accuracy of approved timesheets; gather information from various departments to include commissions, expense reimbursements and other earnings; track and deduct all garnishments, benefit deductions and other special payroll deductions 
• Protects organization's value by keeping information confidential
• Administer deduction data into various benefit outlets such as Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts and 401K.  Check for accuracy of enrollments and make any updates to employee deductions to reflect changes 
• Updating payroll records by entering any changes to employee information or benefits such as job title changes, exemptions and saving deductions 
• Preparing reports that include summaries of earnings, tax deductions, leave, compassionate leave and non-taxable wages 
• Records changes affecting net wages such as exemptions, insurance coverage, and loan payments for each employee to update master payroll records.  
• Calculating payroll liabilities by determining employee taxes, including federal and state income and social security tax, and calculating employer’s payments for social security, unemployment and worker’s compensation 
• Resolving payroll discrepancies and answering any employee payroll queries 
• Ensure processing and issuing of W-2 forms to employees and 1095-C for Affordable Care Act reporting 
• Prepare periodic reports of earnings, taxes, and deductions for yearly audits and senior leadership 
• Gather information and perform annual Non-Discrimination Testing and 5500 audit for company 401K 
• Review employee time and attendance reports for accuracy and completeness, make any necessary corrections; ensure that employee information (i.e. social security number, job title, FLSA status, etc.) are correct, entering data into databases and spreadsheets 
• Handling direct deposit requests and data 
• Processing paper checks for distribution 
• Acquiring all necessary signatures to distribute payroll 
• Processing wage garnishments  
• Properly accounting for adjustments in pay for raises, bonuses and commission 
• Identifies areas for process improvement 
• Perform other duties as assigned 

Qualifications:

• 3-5 years’ experience in payroll or accounting role 
• IT skills: Advanced Excel and strong ERP system experience 
• Working knowledge of ADP Payroll systems preferred 
• Able to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders 
• Adept at reporting using multiple platforms, identifying trends and key actions for change 
• Well-organized with clear ability to prioritize work 
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy of work 
• Ability to work independently and utilize problem-solving skills 
• Ability to meet deadlines 
• Strong computer skills such as typing, system and software knowledge 
• Knowledge of wage withholding orders 
• Accurate data entry skills with great attention to detail  
• Good client service skills 
• Being an effective team player 
• Sound decision-making skills 
• Ability to multitask in a stressful environment with specific deadlines 
• Ability to work independently in a time-sensitive environment 
• Confidentiality and respect for the privacy of employee records 
• Exceptional mathematical and calculation skills 
• Ability to work with a team  
• Knowledge of different types of payroll software 
• Knowledge of payroll, garnishments and benefits distribution 
• Good research and analysis skills 
• Must return a background investigation that meets customer requirements 

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit and focus for extended periods of time
• Must have good hand/eye coordination
• Vision correctable to 20/20 
• Finger dexterity for use of keyboard and mouse