Payroll Specialist

Black Bear Talent is seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist to join a growing organization where precision, integrity, and exceptional service are valued every day. If you thrive in a fast paced environment, enjoy solving problems, and take pride in ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time, we want to hear from you. In this role, you will oversee the full payroll process while supporting benefits administration, compliance initiatives, and accounting functions.

This is a direct hire role with our client. Hours are Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm

• Process accurate and timely biweekly payroll for all employees.
• Review payroll information including hours worked, overtime, pay changes, PTO, taxes, garnishments, child support orders, and exempt employee time off.
• Audit payroll transactions, research discrepancies, and resolve issues before payroll is finalized.
• Maintain payroll records in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Manage Affordable Care Act (ACA) tracking, eligibility audits, and annual reporting requirements.
• Prepare, reconcile, and submit biweekly 401(k) contribution reports and funding files.
• Process Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) files while coordinating with third party administrators.
• Monitor employee payroll changes and ensure all updates are accurately entered into the payroll system.
• Complete monthly payroll bank reconciliations and investigate outstanding transactions.
• Process payroll related deposits, payments, and benefit arrears while preparing monthly employee receivable reports.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee payroll questions.
• Assist with Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable transactions, collections, and payment activities.
• Partner with Human Resources on audits, compliance initiatives, reporting, and special projects.
• Collaborate with internal departments, vendors, and benefit providers to maintain efficient payroll operations.
• Stay current on payroll regulations, tax laws, and industry best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 5 years of payroll and benefits experience.
• Experience with Paylocity or a comparable HRIS and payroll system.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills with advanced proficiency in Excel.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting critical deadlines.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• High level of professionalism with the ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross functional teams.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business required.