Ascend Nonprofit Solutions - Payroll Specialist

Job Title: Payroll Specialist
Status: Full-Time / Exempt
Department: Human Resources
Reports To: Director, Compensation & Benefits

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of payroll in alignment with organizational policies, federal and state regulations, and internal controls. This role supports end-to-end payroll administration, timekeeping, data integrity, and employee payroll inquiries. This role works closely with the Director, Compensation & Benefits and in partnership with Finance. The Payroll Specialist plays a critical role in maintaining payroll accuracy, ensuring proper documentation, and supporting continuous improvement of payroll processes and systems.

• Process bi-weekly/semi-monthly payroll accurately and on time.
• Review and validate timekeeping records, corrections, and exceptions prior to payroll submission.
• Support input and maintenance of payroll and benefits data in applicable systems as needed.
• Ensure proper application of wage and hour laws, overtime, and other payroll regulations.
• Identify and resolve payroll discrepancies, errors, and exceptions in a timely manner.
• Support off-cycle payrolls, bonuses, retro pay, and special payments as needed.
• Maintain organized payroll records in accordance with retention requirements.
• Serve as a support for timekeeping system questions and troubleshooting.
• Support HRIS and payroll system updates, testing, and integrations as directed.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries in a timely, professional, and confidential manner.
• Assist with compliance related to federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
• Support year-end payroll activities and audits as applicable.
• Assist with payroll-related audits, documentation requests, and internal controls.
• Maintain confidentiality of all payroll and personnel information.
• Partner with Finance on payroll reconciliation and reporting as needed.
• Document payroll processes and assist in maintaining standard operating procedures.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll efficiency, accuracy, and automation.
• Participate in payroll and Human Resources projects as assigned.
• Perform 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 ability required.

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field.
• 2-4 years of payroll processing experience required.
• Experience with HRIS/payroll systems (Paycom preferred).
• Knowledge of federal and state wage and hour laws, payroll taxes, and compliance requirements.
• Experience working in Human Resources or in partnership with Human Resources.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet payroll deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and HRIS/payroll platforms.
• Customer-service mindset with a professional and collaborative approach.

• Prolonged sitting and computer use.
• Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.

• Primarily office-based with possible hybrid flexibility.
• Regular attendance and punctuality required.
• Occasional after-hours work may be required during payroll cycles or year-end.

This job description outlines general duties and responsibilities and is not an exhaustive list. Duties may be modified to meet organizational needs.

No calls, emails, or visits please
. For immediate consideration, please formally apply online and provide a resume and cover letter.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned this job classification. They are not to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all duties, skills, and responsibilities of people so assigned.

The Agency's policy is to provide equal opportunity in all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability or veteran status.