Payroll Specialist

We're Watts. Together, we're reimagining the future of water.

We feel proud every day about what we do. We're all part of the same crucial mission, no matter what function we support -- it's to provide safe, clean water for the world, and to protect our planet's most valuable resource.

For 150 years, Watts has built best-in-class products that are trusted by customers in residential and commercial settings across the world. We are at the forefront of innovation, working with cutting-edge technology to provide smart and connected, sustainable water solutions for the future. Watts is a leading brand with a quality reputation - and we have a dynamic future ahead.

We are seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to join our payroll team. This role is responsible for administering daily payroll operations, including the accurate processing of one weekly and twelve bi-weekly multi-state payrolls in a collaborative team environment. The Payroll Specialist will serve as a key point of contact for employees and managers, providing prompt responses to urgent payroll-related inquiries and delivering effective solutions as a valued member of the payroll team.

The role is hybrid and based in Andover, MA.

• Assume ownership of the accurate processing and auditing of all payroll data for hourly and exempt employees across weekly and bi-weekly pay cycles using UKG Pro. This includes validating hours worked, tax data, direct deposit information, department allocations, pay adjustments, new hires, and terminations prior to finalizing payroll
• Administer wage garnishments, and ensure all deductions are processed in accordance with applicable jurisdictional requirements.
• Ensure full compliance with federal, state and local payroll laws and regulations.
• Process and maintain expense payments, positive pay files and 401K interfaces between external providers and Ulti Pro.
• Prepare detailed payroll-related journal entries for posting to General Ledger.
• Respond to employment verification and unemployment insurance claim inquiries.
• Perform per-pay-period audits and assist with quarter-end and year-end audits, adjustments, and reporting.
• Maintain SOX compliance for all payroll-related processes and documentation.
• Promptly follow up with employee and third-party inquiries resolving payroll discrepancies, errors and concerns.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as business needs require.

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, HR or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 2 years of experience processing payrolls with varying levels of complexity and multiple payroll frequencies
• Ability to handle and communicate confidential information to employees, HR Business Partners and external providers
• Strong background in excel including functions such as VLOOKUPs and pivot tables
• Ability to multitask while maintaining strong organizational and time management skills

• String analytical skills to support regulatory compliance, policy implementation and systems maintenance and enhancement activities
• Knowledge of Payroll Systems, HRIS and Time & Attendance platforms. Experience with Workday, UKG Pro and UTA preferred

• Commitment to Watts' values of integrity, accountability, continuous improvement and innovation, and transparency.
• Punctuality and dependability.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing work priorities and stressful conditions.
• Adherence to all personnel policies, procedures, and standards of process as implemented by Watts.
• Maintain productive and collaborative relationships with other Watts employees.
• Adherence to Watts' seven cultural beliefs:
  Growth Mindset, Customer-Focused Innovation, Constant Communication, Clear Goals, Collaborate Globally, Be Inclusive, and Take Action.

While performing the job duties, you will be working in an office environment. You will be required to work in the office at the Andover, MA location three days per week (Monday - Wednesday) and can work remotely two days per week (Thursday and Friday).

• Ability to remain seated at a desk or workstation for extended periods.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks like typing on a keyboard or using a mouse for extended periods.
• Ability to physically move around the office, organize or transport files, packages, or other office-related materials.
• Ability to read documents, use a computer, and perform data entry tasks.
• Ability to communicate clearly with management and coworkers, particularly in meetings or phone calls.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment such as computers, printers, phones, and copiers.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry light objects, such as office supplies, documents, or small equipment.

The expected salary range for this position is $72,000-$81,000 yearly. Actual compensation will be dependent upon individual skills, experience,…