Payroll Specialist

Make a meaningful difference: At Thatcher Chemical facilities across the nation, our manufacturing teams create the essential chemistries, processes, and solutions that support clean water, safe environments, reliable infrastructure, and critical industries. From production and quality to logistics and distribution, your precision, dedication, and commitment to continuous improvement help transform raw materials and innovative science into real-world solutions. Your purpose-driven work plays a vital role in protecting public health, supporting communities, and shaping a safer, more sustainable future.
The Payroll Specialist is responsible for supporting the accurate and timely processing of payroll while providing excellent customer service to employees, managers, and external contacts. This role supports payroll administration, HRIS maintenance, reporting, compliance activities, and general administrative support. In addition to payroll responsibilities, the Payroll Specialist will assist with answering phones, greeting visitors, and light reception/front-office duties to help ensure smooth daily operations.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, customer-service focused, and experienced working within a fast-paced environment requiring confidentiality, accuracy, and strong technical skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

• Process payroll accurately and timely in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. CA payroll processing a plus
• Review and audit payroll data including hours worked, earnings, deductions, taxes, garnishments, bonuses, and adjustments.
• Assist with payroll changes including new hires, terminations, pay rate updates, direct deposit changes, and tax updates.
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee payroll questions.
• Support payroll compliance activities including wage and hour requirements, overtime calculations, and recordkeeping.
• Assist with year-end payroll activities including W-2 processing and payroll reconciliations.
• Maintain payroll records and documentation in accordance with company policy and legal requirements.
• Coordinate with HR, Finance, and management to ensure payroll accuracy and data integrity.

HRIS & Reporting

• Maintain employee data within Dayforce or similar HRIS/payroll systems.
• Generate payroll, labor, attendance, and compliance reports using Excel and HRIS reporting tools.
• Perform data audits and reconciliations to ensure system accuracy.
• Assist with HRIS troubleshooting, testing, and process improvements.
• Support timekeeping and attendance administration.

Customer Service & Administrative Support

• Answer incoming phone calls professionally and direct calls appropriately.
• Greet employees, applicants, vendors, and visitors in a professional and courteous manner.
• Provide light reception and front-office administrative support.
• Respond to employee questions regarding payroll, timekeeping, and HR processes.
• Assist with filing, scanning, document management, and other administrative duties as needed.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of payroll processing experience required.
• 2–5 years of experience using Dayforce or a similar HRIS/payroll system required.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills required, including formulas, spreadsheets, data analysis, and reporting.
• Knowledge of payroll laws, wage and hour compliance, and payroll best practices preferred.
• Experience with multi-state payroll processing preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with a team.

Education

• Associate’s degree in accounting, Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

  Why Thatcher is right for you:

• Competitive salary 
• 100% company-funded Profit-Sharing Plan (up to 25% of salary annually)
• 401 (k) with traditional and Roth contribution options
• Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, HSA/FSA,
• 3+ weeks of PTO, and paid holidays
• Education reimbursement and ongoing professional development
  The pay for the successful candidate will depend on various factors (e.g., qualifications, education, prior experience). Applications will be accepted while this position is posted on our Careers website. Thatcher is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, including protected Veterans and individuals with disabilities.