Senior Payroll Specialist

AWC is family-owned and operated. Our vision: We are committed to being North America's leader in finished vehicle logistics. Our mission: Our responsibility is to service customer vehicles safely, efficiently, with quality and pride. Our values: We treat others as they want to be treated. This position ensures consistent alignment with AWC's vision, mission, and values.

AWC is hiring a Senior Payroll Specialist for our Corporate Office location in Tacoma WA with a hybrid work setting, including 3 days a week at our Tacoma office. The successful candidate's actual pay will be based on various factors, such as qualifications, experience, internal equity, and market considerations.

AWC offers a generous benefits package supporting both physical and mental wellbeing. Benefits include -health insurance for associates, spouses and children; basic life and AD&D insurance; disability insurance; EAP; auto discounts; fitness reimbursement; a 401K plan with company contribution; and several voluntary benefits. AWC corporate staff have paid holidays, floating holidays, vacation and sick accruals, bereavement leave and jury duty leave.

Purpose

Provide operational and backup support to ensure continuity of critical payroll functions during team member absences. Responsible for all payroll activities for staff to include new hires, job changes, terminations, and payroll check processing. Support special projects to include startups, system implementation, and other departmental initiatives.

Essential Duties

• Process weekly staff exempt and non-exempt payroll for the US.
• Provide operational support and coverage for the US and Canada during team member absences, start-ups, etc.
• Supports departmental initiatives and operations as needed including startups, system implementations, and other special projects.
• Provide backup support for processing wage garnishment orders.
• Enter New Hires, status changes, LOA's and terminations for all US Staff associates.
• Maintain Staff personnel files.
• Partner with APS Recruiters and Site Managers to support the hiring process including creating Concentra drug screen and audiogram authorizations and new hire paperwork for Exempt associates.
• Process APS Staff Exempt new hires, payroll status changes, terminations and other changes.
• Generate Instant checks for terminations and replacement checks.
• Audits payroll data submitted for processing from locations in US and Canada.
• Maintains payroll information by collecting, calculating and entering data.
• May occasionally support the field by updating production associate records.
• Provide backup support with timekeeping system administration and configuration for US and Canada.
• Provide backup support for staff time and attendance training for managers and associates.
• Prepare reports by compiling summaries of earnings, taxes, deductions, leave, disability and non-taxable wages.
• Determine payroll liabilities by reviewing calculations for associates' federal and state income, social security taxes, employer's social security, unemployment, and workers compensation payments.
• Resolve payroll discrepancies by collecting, analyzing, and reconciling relevant information to ensure accurate and compliant resolutions.
• Respond to payroll questions and requests, providing accurate information and timely assistance.
• Maintain payroll operations by following established policies and procedures and identifying and reporting necessary process or policy changes.
• Maintain associate trust and safeguard payroll operations by ensuring the confidentiality and security of sensitive payroll data.
• Supports Vision, Mission and values of the company.
• May perform other duties as needed to meet business needs.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• This position is based in the Tacoma office and requires regular onsite work.
• 8 years of experience processing payroll for employees across multiple states. Canada payroll experience a plus.
• Proven track record of success in payroll, with a demonstrated ability and willingness to take on special projects and initiatives.
• Experience using UKG software preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in HRIS systems design and implementation; report writing experience preferred.
• CPP certification a plus.
• Must be knowledgeable of standard business applications and a highly proficient user of Excel and Microsoft Office tools.
• Strong analytical skills and communication skills, time management, organizational skills and attention to detail a must.
• Commitment to extraordinary customer service required.
• Ability to create and deliver training and support to ensure successful implementation through utilization.
• Thorough understanding of the full cycle multi-state payroll process; including time & attendance, tax filings and garnishments and compliance requirements.
• Understanding of US and Canada statutory requirements (FLSA/401k, EI, ROE, RPP etc.) and their application.
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently within a fast-paced environment, exercise sound judgement, and make timely decisions that ensure accurate and compliant outcomes.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work to consistently meet daily, weekly and monthly deadlines.
• Demonstrate effective time management and strong organization skills, with the ability to prioritize responsibilities and develop realistic action plans to meet deadlines and achieve objectives.
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve technical problems.
• A behavior and conduct that maintains a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner so you get along with customer, co-workers and management.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees assigned to this position.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AWC is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other protected class with respect to employment opportunities.