Payroll Specialist

Our growing manufacturing organization is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Representative to join our Shared Services team in Charlottesville, VA. This role is ideal for an early-career payroll professional with 1–3 years of payroll experience who is looking to build a long-term career in payroll and shared services.

The Payroll Representative will support the timely and accurate processing of multi-state payroll while delivering exceptional customer service to employees and business partners. The successful candidate will possess a strong understanding of payroll concepts, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation, validation, and processing of weekly, biweekly, and semimonthly payrolls for multiple business units.
• Review employee payroll data for accuracy, including new hires, terminations, promotions, pay rate changes, deductions, and direct deposit updates.
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies, timekeeping issues, tax questions, and employee inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintain payroll records and ensure compliance with company policies, federal and state regulations, and wage and hour laws.
• Partner with Human Resources, Accounting, Benefits, and site leadership to ensure accurate payroll processing.
• Audit payroll reports before and after processing to identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Assist with year-end payroll activities, including W-2 preparation and reconciliation.
• Support payroll tax reporting and garnishment processing as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee payroll information and sensitive data.
• Document payroll procedures and contribute to continuous process improvement initiatives.
• Participate in payroll system testing, upgrades, and special projects.
• Provide outstanding customer service while responding to employee questions via phone, email, and ticketing systems.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1–3 years of payroll processing experience.
• Basic understanding of payroll principles, payroll taxes, wage and hour regulations, and payroll calculations.
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to communicate professionally at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and meet strict deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree coursework in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field.
• Experience with PeopleSoft or another HRIS/payroll system.
• Fundamentals of Payroll Certification (FPC) or a demonstrated interest in pursuing payroll certification.
• Experience supporting payroll in a multi-state or manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with timekeeping systems and payroll reconciliations.