Payroll Specialist

Golden State Foods is a distinguished leader in the food service industry, offering an extensive array of products and services to a diverse clientele. Rooted in the values of quality service and integrity, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where employees can advance, innovate, and contribute to our ongoing success.

The Payroll & Accounting Specialist is responsible for supporting the accurate and timely administration of company payroll processes, payroll accounting activities, and related Shared Services functions. The role helps ensure payroll compliance, strong internal controls, accurate financial reporting, and exceptional service to associates and business partners.

The Payroll & Accounting Specialist will have regular contact with divisional Human Resources, Benefits, Payroll, Finance, management, and associates across the country, requiring strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. The position will also provide accounting support to the Shared Services function, including accounts payable, account reconciliations, reporting, and other accounting-related activities as needed.

• Review daily audit reports for new associates and ensure payroll-related information is accurate and complete.
• Review and summarize timekeeping records using Workforce Management (WFM).
• Review timekeeping information for accuracy, including hours worked, overtime, PTO, holidays, deductions, and other payroll-impacting information.
• Research and resolve timekeeping discrepancies in partnership with Human Resources, managers, and divisional contacts.
• Utilize UKG and WFM to process, validate, and maintain payroll and timekeeping information.
• Run standard and business intelligence payroll reports to support locations and identify payroll discrepancies or anomalies.
• Process weekly payroll for Corporate associates and ensure the accuracy and completeness of payroll records.
• Support weekly payroll processing for multi-state locations.
• Process deduction mass uploads and other payroll data uploads as required.
• Process payroll adjustments, corrections, supplemental payroll, and other payroll-related transactions.
• Maintain accurate and confidential associate payroll records.
• Research, analyze, and resolve payroll variances, control exceptions, and reconciliation discrepancies to ensure accurate payroll accounting and reporting. Review payroll registers and supporting reports to identify errors prior to payroll submission.
• Ensure payroll deadlines and established processing schedules are consistently met.

• Perform weekly payroll closing activities in support of multi-state locations, including union and non-union associates.
• Review payroll reports and reconcile payroll-related information to supporting documentation.
• Research and resolve payroll variances and discrepancies.
• Reconcile payroll-related accounts, deductions, and liabilities as assigned.
• Assist with payroll journal entries and supporting documentation.
• Ensure payroll transactions are accurately recorded and properly supported.
• Coordinate with HR, Benefits, Finance, and divisional payroll contacts to resolve issues impacting payroll close.
• Maintain and execute key payroll controls to ensure payroll transactions are properly authorized, accurately processed, and adequately documented.

• Maintain working knowledge of Human Resources and payroll policies, procedures, and applicable federal and multi-state payroll requirements.
• Lead or participate in continuous improvement initiatives that enhance payroll accuracy, strengthen controls, improve associate experience, and increase operational efficiency. Participate on teams supporting payroll system upgrades, enhancements, testing, and implementations.
• Support the administration and optimization of UKG and WFM.
• Serve as a functional subject matter expert for UKG and Workforce Management processes and support users across the organization as needed.
• Assist with testing system changes and validating payroll results following system updates.
• Develop, update, and maintain payroll Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Identify recurring payroll issues and recommend sustainable solutions.
• Support process documentation and cross-training within Shared Services.

• Support and process all year-end payroll…