Payroll & Leave of Absence Specialist

Katzman Produce is seeking a detail-oriented and dependable Payroll & Leave of Absence Specialist for a three-month contract assignment to support payroll processing, time and attendance, and leave administration. The role is responsible for reviewing employee time and attendance information, processing payroll changes and deductions, maintaining accurate payroll records, and responding to employee payroll questions. This role also includes the daily administration of coordinating leave requests and documentation, tracks employees throughout the leave process, and ensures accurate return-to-work and timekeeping records.

This position requires a high level of accuracy, confidentiality, organization, and follow-through. The Payroll Specialist will work closely with Human Resources, Accounting, department managers, and employees in a fast-paced produce and distribution environment.

• Process weekly payroll accurately and within established deadlines for multiple entities.
  • Review employee timecards and attendance records for completeness and accuracy.
  • Verify regular hours, overtime, paid time off, holiday pay, and other payroll-related earnings.
  • Research missing punches, timekeeping discrepancies, and other exceptions and coordinate corrections with supervisors and managers.
  • Process new hires, terminations, pay rate changes, bonuses, deductions, direct deposit changes, and other payroll adjustments.
  • Maintain accurate employee payroll records and supporting documentation.
  • Review payroll reports and perform pre-payroll audits to identify and correct discrepancies before payroll is finalized.
  • Process garnishments, child support orders, tax levies, benefit deductions, and other authorized or legally required deductions.
  • Respond to employee questions regarding paychecks, hours, deductions, taxes, direct deposits, and other payroll matters.
  • Research and resolve payroll discrepancies promptly and professionally.
  • Coordinate with Human Resources regarding employee status changes, benefits, paid time off, leaves, and other employee information affecting payroll.
  • Work with Finance to reconcile payroll-related accounts and provide payroll reports and supporting documentation.
  • Assist with payroll tax reporting, quarterly and year-end activities, including W-2 processing.
  • Support internal and external payroll audits and provide requested documentation.
  • Maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and local wage and hour requirements.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality of employee compensation, payroll, banking, tax, and personal information.
  • Maintain organized payroll files and records in accordance with company policies and applicable record-retention requirements.
  • Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, accuracy, and efficiency.
  • Perform additional payroll, HR, and administrative duties as assigned.

• Coordinate the leave-of-absence process from initial employee notification through return to work.
  • Provide employees with applicable leave information, forms, notices, and documentation requirements.
  • Track leave requests, approvals, documentation, start dates, expected return dates, extensions, and actual return-to-work dates.
  • Maintain regular and appropriate communication with employees throughout the leave process.
  • Handle daily occurrences that received for employee who leave ill-not work related.
  • Coordinate administration of applicable federal, state, company-provided, and other approved leaves.
  • Assist with administration and tracking of FMLA and applicable state family and medical leave programs.
  • Coordinate with HR management and benefits providers regarding…