Payroll Accounting Specialist

Position Summary

The Payroll & Accounting Specialist supports plant operations by leading payroll activities and contributing to accounting, production reporting, inventory coordination, and vendor support. Approximately 50% of the role is dedicated to payroll, with the remaining responsibilities focused on direct labor reporting, OEE reporting, capital processes, WPO management, and general accounting duties. This role requires strong analytical skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively across functions in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

This role will be based out of our Lawton, Michigan plant where you will be immersed in a dynamic workplace where innovation thrives and collaboration is key.

• Manage all aspects of union and non‑exempt payroll processing.
• Perform non‑exempt batch entry, ensuring accurate and timely payroll submission.
• Maintain and review employee timecards, ensuring accuracy of hours, adherence to payroll rules, and correct direct labor reporting.
• Manage exempt and non‑exempt accruals, including union accrual requirements.
• Coordinate time and attendance (utilizing INFOR) activities for the purposes of payroll, including gain‑share calculations, labor reporting, time‑keeping maintenance, and other related duties.
• Support HR, supervisors, and employees by resolving payroll issues, ensuring compliance, and maintaining accurate payroll records.
• Partner with labor reporting and OEE teams to ensure labor data accuracy across systems.

• Prepare and maintain direct labor reports, aligned with payroll and OEE reporting.
• Track and report union labor, temporary labor, and seasonal labor usage.

• Manage WPO processes, including charging suppliers for reconditioning, rework, inspection, and disposal costs.
• Allocate labor and indirect costs and coordinate supplier communication.
• Maintain and reconcile WPO ledgers.

• Support accounts payable, including invoice processing, vendor communication, and system approvals (V360, Oracle, INFOR).
• Complete monthly tasks such as cash box reconciliation, temp labor reclass journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, and WPO ledger balancing.
• Assist with general ledger maintenance, budgeting support, standard costing, and inventory control.
• Participate in physical inventory counts and support month‑end closing and monthly projections.
• Prepare production reports and manage purchase orders and supply ordering.
• Coordinate tanker shipment scheduling with vendor dispatchers.
• Support seasonal accounting activities, including harvest‑related processes.
• Perform other duties as needed to support plant operation.

• A high performer able to independently balance multiple competing priorities and deadlines.
• Experience in a fast‑paced environment, notably in a manufacturing setting, is a plus.
• A collaborative team player who works effectively across levels and functions.
• Highly organized, with the ability to create, refine, and maintain standard work for the role.
• An agile learner focused on driving continuous improvement and process efficiency.
• Detail‑oriented with strong analytical skills and a commitment to data accuracy.

• Associate degree in Accounting or a related discipline preferred but not required.
• Experience with HRIS systems (INFOR, Oracle, UKG, etc).
• Payroll processing experience is strongly preferred, especially in a union environment.
• Prior experience in fast‑paced, detail‑oriented manufacturing support is preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.

• Organization with a bold, clear purpose & vision for the future.
• Inclusive culture:
  Be part of an inclusive workplace where you not only belong but also have the opportunity to be the best version of yourself.
• Passionate community:
  You are encouraged to have a voice, share your opinions, and have individual impact on the success of the business.
• Flexible & collaborative work environment to maximize well‑being & success.
• Paid Time Off and Holidays:
  Enjoy time away from the office to rest and recharge.
• Paid…