Payroll Specialist

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for supporting core payroll processes, systems, and workflows across the firm. This role partners closely with the HR Operations Manager, HR team members, and Accounting to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and positive employee experience. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, maintains strict confidentiality, tech-savvy, and comfortable managing multiple high-priority projects in a fast-paced environment. 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

HR Operations, Processes, and Transactions

• Full payroll processing for hourly and salaried employees, including payroll adjustments, bonuses, and off-cycle payroll runs.
• Support cross-functional reporting needs including audits, turnover, headcount, process mapping and analysis. 
• Conduct regular internal audits to ensure data integrity while responding to a last-minute request for data with confidence and accuracy. 
• Research and respond to employee inquiries related to payroll and payroll policies with accuracy and empathy. 
• Support Time and Attendance, Payroll, and administration of core payroll processes.
• Generate payroll reports and benefit invoices for internal teams to ensure timely payments and reconciliation. 
• Maintain and manage garnishments, taxes, and employee deductions to ensure compliance.
• Audit 401k deductions and loans to track funding, repayments and compliance. 
• Ensure integrity of employee data and proactively conduct audit activities to ensure data integrity within the HRIS system.

EXPERIENCE/CREDENTIALS

• Bachelor’s degree; Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources or relevant field.
• Minimum 3 years of payroll experience with working knowledge of nationwide wage and hour laws, payroll tax regulations, and employment compliance. 
• Must have at least 2 years’ hands-on experience with ADP WFN and/or ADP Total Source.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Outlook, Word with advanced proficiency in Excel.
• Familiarity with HR policies and procedures.

COMPETENCIES

• Thrives in a fast-paced and dynamic team-based, collaborative environment; able to take initiative, solve problems, and find resolution to pending issues
• Strong interpersonal skills; works effectively as part of a team and as an individual contributor.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; demonstrated proficiency in processes and procedures.
• Demonstrated problem solving, critical thinking, and analytical abilities, with a focus on analyzing and managing HR data and information and resolving complex problems.
• Organized, detail-oriented, able to handle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work under pressure.
• Maintains flexibility to appropriately prioritize and execute to meet client and firm needs as well as support peak volumes and aggressive deadlines.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of all employee information and safeguards client and firm data; maintains high ethical standards in all practices.
• Professional and positive demeanor, superb work ethic, high level of personal ethics and integrity.