Senior Payroll Systems Specialist

This position is responsible for the end-to-end processing, management, support, and optimization of the company's payroll systems, including third-party platforms such as UKG or ADP. The role ensures payrolls are processed accurately, timely, and in full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This position serves as a subject matter expert (SME) for payroll systems, maintains the integrity of payroll data, supports system integrations, and provides critical backup support for Time and Attendance administration.

A high level of attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage complex payroll processes are essential to success in this role.

Payroll processing:

• Complete the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring accurate and timely processing of all payroll cycles.
• Review, validate, and reconcile payroll data, including earnings, deductions, tax with holdings, benefits, and adjustments.
• Ensure payrolls are processed accurately, timely, and in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Identify, research, and resolve payroll discrepancies prior to payroll submission.
• Complete off-cycle payrolls, corrections, reversals, and retroactive adjustments as required.
• Complete year-end payroll activities, including W-2 processing, audits, and compliance reporting.
• Maintain strict adherence to payroll deadlines, internal controls, and confidentiality requirements.
• Provide direct payroll support to divisions, serving as a subject matter expert and resolving payroll inquiries, discrepancies, and issues.
• Coordinate with third-party vendors to ensure wage garnishments and payroll tax with holdings are processed accurately and remain in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

• Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for operational payroll reporting, including creating, maintaining, and running complex Cognos-based reports and dashboards within UKG Pro to support payroll processing, audits, and compliance needs.
• Maintain third-party payroll software configurations, system updates, user access, and security settings.
• Review and manage system access, ensuring segregation of duties and compliance with internal controls.
• Troubleshoot payroll system issues and coordinate with vendor support and internal teams.
• Collaborate with HR, Accounting, Finance, and IT to ensure payroll data accuracy and seamless workflow.
• Create test plans, execute testing, and validate system changes to ensure proper functionality.
• Maintain detailed documentation and standard operating procedures for payroll systems.

• Support system integrations between the payroll platform and internal systems such as HRIS, accounting/finance software, benefits administration systems, and timekeeping platforms.
• Ensure data flows accurately and securely across systems through automated interfaces or manual uploads.
• Coordinate with IT and external vendors to implement, monitor, and troubleshoot integrations.
• Assist in mapping data fields, testing data transfers, and validating output.
• Identify and resolve data inconsistencies or failures in system feeds.
• Support projects involving the implementation or enhancement of integrated systems.

• Act as the backup for the company's time and attendance system.
• Monitor system performance and ensure time data accuracy for payroll processing.
• Support time tracking functions, including shift schedules, PTO, holidays, and exception tracking.
• Assist in resolving employee timekeeping issues and system errors.
• Provide user support and training on timekeeping policies and system features.

• Minimum three years of job-related experience processing payroll and knowledge of payroll systems using third-party platforms such as UKG or ADP.

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or related field OR an Associate's degree with three additional years of experience required.

• Solid knowledge of payroll processes and regulatory compliance.
• Experience with system integrations involving HRIS, timekeeping, and financial systems is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with timekeeping systems (e.g., UKG Dimensions, ADP eTime, Kronos) is a plus.

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Excel and experience in report development (e.g., Cognos, BI tools, or platform-native reporting).

• Knowledge of data mapping and integration workflows (e.g., SFTP, APIs, flat files).
• Experience in supporting system implementations or upgrades.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).
• Vendor-specific certifications (UKG, ADP, or others).
• Integration/technical training or…