Payroll Specialist

About Us:

Empire Marketing Strategies has been a leader in delivering exceptional in-store execution for over 40 years, enhancing the customer experience in grocery retail. Operating in all 18 Kroger divisions across the U.S., we partner with some of the world's top brands to optimize their presence in over 2,500 store locations. Our team thrives on tackling diverse challenges in the fast-paced retail industry. We value dedication, talent, and a passion for excellence.

Why Join Us?

• M-F Work Schedule with 9 Holidays off.
• Earn a competitive salary plus 80% employer-covered benefits.
• Our Educational Assistance Program empowers associates to enhance their business-related skills through continued learning and development.
• We offer exciting opportunities for growth within the organization, helping you build a meaningful and rewarding career.
• A dynamic work environment where you’ll make a real impact.
• Full-Time Associates are eligible for medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, disability coverage, a retirement program, mental health support, paid time off, and 9 paid holidays annually.

Job Summary:

The Payroll Specialist processes weekly payroll and maintains payroll and associate records. This role also owns the integrity of data related to payroll taxes and is responsible for regular post-payroll reporting to business leaders.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions:

• Payroll Prep & Processing
• Post-Payroll Reporting

Core Functions:

• Payroll Prep & Processing
• Acts as company expert and first point of contact regarding payroll for associates.
• Provides guidance on payroll compliance.
• Partners with Accounting to ensure financial statement accuracy regarding payroll data.
• Manages pre-process audit reports between benefits portals and HRIS to ensure accurate data to be processes in pay run.
• Finalizes and approves outstanding employee changes in HRIS as appropriate for each pay period.
• Manages supervisor accountability regarding hours and wages payable for each pay period.
• Enters, maintains, and processes information in the payroll system; information may include employees’ hourly rates, salaries, commissions, bonuses or other compensation, time worked, paid leave and holidays, deductions and withholding, address changes, and other information.
• Manage multi-state and local tax processes.
• Work closely with payroll provider to manage garnishment processing.
• Prepares and distributes year-end tax forms.
• Ensures proper processing of payroll deductions for taxes, benefits, charitable contributions, and other deductions.
• Issues, or reissues, physical or replacement checks or direct deposits due to payroll errors or final discharge.
• Run and review payroll reports for accuracy and contact various location personnel for clarification when needed.

Post-Payroll Reporting

• Completes weekly reporting and posts to shared drives for leadership review including
• Regular Roll-Up Hours Report
• Division YTD Earnings Report
• Supervisor Time Detail Report
• Creates ad hoc reporting relevant to payroll as required.

Other Duties

• Respond in a timely manner to internal and external correspondence via email and phone.
• Assist with responding to associate questions regarding payroll.
• Primary owner of payroll email inboxes.

Education and Experience:

• College degree strongly preferred. Equivalent relevant experience should also apply.
• 3+ years of multi-state payroll and tax processing experience required.
• 3+ years of high-volume payroll processing experience (over 1000 associates.)
• 2+ years of benefits reconciliation (billing and payroll) experience required.
• Experience with large data sets in MS Excel required.
• Experience with benefits modules required, preferably Bswift.
• CCP Certification preferred.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Highly advanced Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
• Ability to be able to operate autonomously, with strong personal drive for results.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to write clear and concise correspondence.
• Ability to accurately exchange information.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Strong analytical and math skills.
• Proficient with payroll software, specifically Paylocity.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

Tools and Equipment:

• Regular operation of a personal motor vehicle, to and from work sites.
• MS Excel

Work Environment:

• Duties are typically performed in an indoor, office environment.
• Noise levels – typically low to moderate.