Payroll Specialist

Position Summary

Performs a wide variety of payroll processing activities, including computing wage and overtime payments, payroll deductions, employee leave management, processing terminations, balancing and controlling earnings and deductions. All payroll computations are required to be determined by the employee type and following the complexity of the pay rules and the Employee Handbook. Audit system outputs such as registers and standard reports, determining and correcting out‑of‑balance conditions, preparing and filing tax returns for multiple tax cycles, managing the process of garnishment, child support, tax levy and other legal documents.

Run the bi‑weekly payroll process, off‑cycle payments and subsequent funding requests when necessary.

Ensure net pay and tax deposits and returns are performed timely, eliminating compliance and penalty issues. Ensure accurate payments to employees terminating at school year end, including all applicable leave plan payouts.

• Responsible for maintaining all payroll information by collecting, analyzing, calculating and entering transactions of employee related data, such as earnings and deductions.
• Set up and maintain HR/Payroll data as required for processing life cycles and status updates of all employees.
• Know, and fully understand, the large volume of pay structures as outlined in the Employee Handbook. Ensure accurate payments to employees based on employee type and work performed.
• Review payroll calculations to ensure accurate pay for all employees. Careful review of Payroll Action Requests (PAR’s) and pay detail for all employee changes.
• Manage the Worker’s Compensation payments to employees while tracking leave time used for such payments.
• Prepare, run and close the payrolls as required. Includes responsibility for the balancing and auditing all of payroll totals prior to releasing the payroll for payment. Full review and understanding of standard and custom reports to ensure accuracy.
• Assist with the review of annual W-2 taxable wages and tax reporting prior to distribution. Assist employees as necessary with questions regarding what has been reported.
• Responsible for problem resolution, discrepancies, etc. of the payroll results.
• Collaborate with Human Resources to ensure overall timely and accurate processing.
• Manage entry of employee tax information, leave plan transactions and all payments due to employees.
• Maintain clear, thorough documentation for all audits and processes pertaining to payroll calculation for future reference and audits.
• Prepare employment verification documents and legal documentation for all matters concerning wage attachments. Full understanding of garnishment laws to ensure compliance to eliminate risk of non‑compliance and penalties.
• Prepare payment vouchers for taxes, net pay, agency requirements, etc.
• Collaborate with all locations and employee groups to ensure that there are consistent processes that are well communicated.
• Provide excellent customer service to employees and outside contacts as necessary. Provide customer focused resolutions and support to employees at all times.
• Manage the distribution of pay and statements to employees as necessary.
• Prepare and maintain internal processing control documents and supporting documentation.
• Assist in deployment of payroll driven process improvement initiatives.
• Assist Payroll Supervisor with analysis and investigation of payroll related inquiries.
• Maintain knowledge for preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Responsible for maintaining eligibility, enrollments, and terminations in the Wisconsin Retirement System.

Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation from the American Payroll Association preferred.

Two year Associate’s Degree in business or related subject preferred.

Minimum two years of payroll experience. Working knowledge of HR/Payroll software such as Tyler Munis, Lawson and Kronos. Experience with complex pay rules and processing legal agency requests. Proficient in Microsoft Office Excel and Word. Working knowledge of the Wisconsin Retirement System is a plus.

• Ability to analyze extremely detailed information with a high level of integrity and confidentiality.
• Proven skill set in payroll practices, garnishments, tax levies, FLSA laws and pre and post‑tax payroll deductions.
• Remain vigilant at all times to identify any issues prior to making payments to employees.
• Stay abreast of Federal and State employer requirements, reports, and regulations.
• Attention to detail, accuracy, verbal communication and organization.
• Ability to work in a fast paced and changing environment.
• The ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent customer service skills and the ability to work collaboratively with other departments.
• Must project a positive image and maintain a professional atmosphere.