Payroll Specialist

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Overview

The Payroll Specialist provides critical administrative and technical support for payroll operations while assisting the HR/People Team. This role is responsible for accurate timekeeping, payroll processing, and balancing payroll runs, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The Payroll Specialist processes tax payments, garnishments, and supports employees with payroll-related questions. Additionally, this position assists with HR/People Team activities, including onboarding, employee record maintenance, and general administrative support, while maintaining confidentiality and accuracy in all tasks.

• Prepare, maintain, and process payroll for all employees accurately and on time.
• Balance payroll runs, ensuring correct calculation of wages, deductions, and taxes.
• Produce federal, state, and local tax payments and quarterly payroll reports.
• Process and monitor garnishment orders and other payroll-impacting items.
• Audit timekeeping and payroll data for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and company policies.
• Maintain and update personnel and payroll databases.
• Prepare payroll-related journal entries and assist with period-end reporting.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll issues and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Support budgetary operations as they relate to payroll expenses.
• Assist with onboarding, offboarding, and employee data updates.
• Maintain employee files and HR/People Team records in compliance with company standards.
• Support general HR administrative tasks as needed.

• High school diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or HR-related field preferred.
• 3–5 years of payroll or related experience preferred.
• Payroll certification (CPP, FPC, or equivalent) is a plus.

• Knowledge of payroll and timekeeping systems; experience with IFS, Paylocity preferred.
• Understanding of federal, state, and local tax laws, wage and hour regulations, and payroll procedures.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines accurately.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to support employees at all levels.
• Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with Payroll, Finance, and HR/People Team.
• Experienced with MS Excel functions.

• Upholds Safety and Quality Standards
• Embodies Team Spirit
• Relentless Customer Focus
• Conveys Integrity, Trust, and Professionalism
• Executes with Excellence and Velocity

• NA

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds at times (e.g., files, office supplies).
• Regular use of hands and fingers to operate a keyboard, mouse, and office equipment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with coworkers and vendors, both verbally and in writing.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, bend, or reach within the office setting.

• Regular work environment will be in an office setting.
• When on manufacturing floor, possible exposure to moving mechanical parts and airborne particles. Eye protection is required. Fumes, machine vibration, noisy conditions, high temperatures, and occasional potential to a restricted space work area possible.
• All Keel locations are tobacco free where appropriate.

Keel provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all team members and applicants for employment without regard to race, (including traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, service in the uniformed services, status as a protected veteran or spouse thereof, height, weight, marital or familial status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

In addition to federal law requirements, Keel complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in…