Payroll Specialist

PAYROLL SPECIALIST

Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry | Manitowoc, WI

Shift: 1^st shift, Monday – Friday, 6 am – 2:30 pm

Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry is looking for a Payroll Specialist who takes pride in getting the details right, stays calm when problems arise, and can independently own a critical process from start to finish.

This is more than a data-entry position. Our Payroll Specialist plays an important role in making sure employees are paid accurately and on time while maintaining confidential employee information and supporting the financial operations of the company.

Our current Payroll Specialist is preparing for retirement and is providing a planned transition period for the person joining our team. This means you'll have the opportunity to work alongside an experienced payroll professional, learn our processes firsthand, ask questions, and build confidence before taking full ownership of the role.

If you're the kind of person who likes to understand how things work, why they work, and what to do when something doesn't look right, you'll fit well here.

What you'll do

• Enter and review production and employee timekeeping information
• Research and correct discrepancies to ensure employees are paid accurately
• Prepare payroll information for deductions, garnishments, child support, union dues, and other payroll-related items
• Review and balance payroll registers, edits, and summaries
• Process weekly payroll checks and required reports
• Prepare information and vouchers for banking and payment of payroll liabilities
• Maintain employee pay profiles and deductions within the payroll/ERP system
• Respond to employee and third-party payroll information requests
• Work closely with Finance, HR, supervisors, and employees to resolve payroll questions
• Identify problems and follow them through to resolution
• Perform other duties that support the payroll and accounting functions

We are looking for someone who...

• Doesn't need to be chased. You see what needs to be done and you take care of it.
• Stays calm when things don't go according to plan. Payroll comes with deadlines, corrections, questions, and the occasional unexpected problem. We need someone who can pause, investigate, and solve the issue rather than become overwhelmed by it.
• Has a strong eye for detail. A small payroll error can have a big impact. You naturally double-check your work and don't assume that “close enough” is good enough.
• Takes ownership. You don't simply identify a problem and hand it to someone else. You figure out what happened, determine what needs to be done, and follow through.
• Protect confidential information. You understand that payroll information is sensitive and treats employee information with discretion and professionalism.

• Can work independently. You are comfortable managing your responsibilities, prioritizing competing demands, and keeping yourself on track without constant direction.
• Knows when to ask questions. Being independent doesn't mean working in isolation. You know when something needs clarification, and you aren't afraid to speak up when something doesn't look right.
• Communicates professionally. You'll work with employees across the organization, including hourly, salaried, skilled trades, and union employees. You can explain payroll-related information clearly, respectfully, and patiently.

What you'll bring

• High school diploma
• Payroll or accounting experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills
• Comfort working with office systems, spreadsheets, and integrated software

You won't be inheriting a payroll process and being told, “Good luck.” You'll have an experienced professional beside you during the transition, giving you the opportunity to learn the systems, understand the nuances of the job, and build relationships before taking full ownership.

If you're looking for a role where your reliability, judgment, attention to detail, and ability to solve problems genuinely matter, we'd like to meet you.

If you're ready to bring your payroll expertise, attention to detail, and independent spirit to a role where your work matters every week, apply today and join WAF.