Payroll Specialist

• per hour Pay is commensurate with professional experience and academic background.
• Hourly
• Full Time
• employer funded pension plan, 401k employer match, partially employer funded medical-dental-vision insurance, long term disability, employer funded life insurance, supplemental life insurance, sick time, vacation time, personal time, tuition reimbursement

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for accurately and efficiently processing payroll while ensuring compliance with Cooperative policies and applicable federal and state regulations. This position maintains payroll records, resolves employee payroll questions, and supports payroll-related reporting and audits.

• Process biweekly payroll accurately and on schedule.
• Review and verify employee timekeeping, attendance, overtime, deductions, and other payroll-related information.
• Maintain accurate employee payroll records, including new hires, terminations, pay changes, direct deposits, tax with holdings, and deductions.
• Ensure payroll is processed in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Apply company polices and collective bargaining agreements according to their provisions to ensure accurate payroll and time entry.
• Manage month-end payroll close activities, including payroll reconciliations, adjustments, and reporting.
• Respond to employee questions regarding paychecks, deductions, tax with holdings, benefits deductions, and payroll procedures.
• Reconcile payroll reports and payroll-related general ledger accounts.
• Prepare and distribute payroll reports for management, accounting, and other internal departments.
• Assist with quarterly and annual payroll reporting, including W-2s, 1099s, 1095-C, and other required tax filings.
• Maintain confidentiality and security of sensitive employee and payroll information.
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Assist with internal and external payroll audits.
• Stay informed about changes to payroll laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Provide assistance to Accounting team during audits.
• All other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field preferred.
• 2+ years of payroll or accounting experience preferred.
• Excellent problem solving and prioritization skills.
• Strong understanding of payroll processes, deductions, taxes, and compliance requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
• Strong understanding of payroll processes, deductions, taxes, and compliance requirements.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate professionally and accurately across all departments.
• Excellent computer skills including the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Valid driver's license.

Work performed indoors will occur within an office setting utilizing a number of technological devices such as a telephone, Smartphone, personal computer, etc. Occasional travel outside cooperative service territory for meetings and training.