Payroll Specialist

The Payroll & Compliance Specialist supports multi-company payroll operations by combining payroll administration, system configuration, and internal compliance oversight. This role is responsible for processing payroll for smaller company entities, maintaining payroll system accuracy, administering manual payroll-related workflows, and ensuring payroll data aligns with company policies, regulatory requirements, and union processes. This position works closely with the Payroll Manager, HR, and operational leadership to ensure payroll records, reporting, and documentation are accurate, compliant, and audit-ready.

The role also supports union payroll coordination through external joint-employer payroll systems, ensuring required data is accurate and submitted in a timely manner.

• Process payroll for assigned company entities, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness.
• Maintain payroll records, employee data, and supporting documentation.
• Validate timesheets and payroll inputs prior to processing.
• Support payroll reporting and reconciliations as directed by the Payroll Manager.
• Maintain payroll system configuration, including setup of:
• Sick and vacation accruals
• Earnings and deduction codes
• 401(k) and benefit deductions
• Tax jurisdictions and employee profiles
• Monitor and audit payroll system functionality to ensure calculations align with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with HR and benefits administrators to ensure accurate payroll and system integration.
• Run and submit required federal, state, and local payroll-related reports.
• Conduct internal reviews of payroll data to identify discrepancies or compliance risks.
• Maintain organized payroll documentation to support audits and regulatory inquiries.
• Assist with internal and external payroll audits, including union or agency reviews.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field — or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum 3–5 years of payroll administration experience, preferably in a multi-company or multi-state environment.
• Experience maintaining payroll system configuration, including accrual setup and benefit deductions.