Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist

Our client is seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist to support the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of payroll for a large employee population. This role will be responsible for reviewing timekeeping records, supporting payroll processing, maintaining compliance with federal and state requirements, and managing specialized payroll requirements including certified payroll, prevailing wage, meal penalty auditing, and employee withholding orders
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The Payroll Specialist will also help maintain payroll procedures, calendars, checklists, process documentation, and internal controls. The ideal candidate is highly detail-oriented, organized, responsive, and comfortable working in a deadline-driven environment where payroll accuracy and confidentiality are critical.

• Assist with processing payroll for a workforce of 500 employees
  , ensuring accurate and timely payroll completion.
• Review and audit employee timecards and timekeeping records prior to payroll processing.
• Verify time entries for accuracy, completeness, missed punches, job codes, cost codes, classifications, and payroll deadlines.
• Ensure federal and state payroll requirements are properly applied each pay period.
• Process manual checks, including checks associated with employee terminations.
• Research and resolve outstanding or uncashed checks and direct deposit issues.
• Process and maintain employee withholding orders, including garnishments and tax levies.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and documentation.
• Provide backup payroll processing support during employee absences, peak processing periods, or special payroll situations.

• Manage and support the certified payroll process, including required filings, documentation, time tracking compliance, and reporting.
• Prepare and maintain certified payroll documentation and support audits or inquiries from applicable regulatory agencies.
• Review prevailing wage classifications and verify applicable wage determinations.
• Monitor fringe benefit requirements and maintain appropriate compliance documentation.
• Identify and resolve potential prevailing wage discrepancies before payroll is finalized.
• Ensure payroll practices remain compliant with applicable federal, state, and local prevailing wage requirements.
• Work closely with internal teams to collect and verify information required for certified payroll reporting.

• Conduct detailed audits of timekeeping records to identify missing punches, incorrect job or cost coding, classification issues, and other discrepancies.
• Review timekeeping information for compliance with established payroll policies and deadlines.
• Audit meal penalty entries to ensure appropriate meal period compliance, accurate payment, and proper documentation.
• Identify recurring timekeeping issues and communicate corrective actions to managers and supervisors.
• Partner with operational teams to improve timekeeping accuracy and reduce payroll errors.

• Follow established payroll internal controls, policies, procedures, and compliance requirements.
• Maintain payroll calendars, checklists, process maps, and other procedural documentation.
• Ensure payroll processing procedures are consistently followed and appropriately documented.
• Monitor regulatory and policy requirements affecting payroll administration.
• Escalate potential compliance issues and assist with researching and resolving payroll-related discrepancies.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of employee compensation, tax, payroll, and personal information.

• Provide training and guidance to managers and supervisors on:
• Accurate time entry
• Timekeeping procedures
• Payroll deadlines
• Meal and rest period requirements
• Certified payroll requirements
• Prevailing wage classifications
• Payroll policies and procedures
• Respond promptly and professionally to payroll-related questions and requests from employees, managers, supervisors, and other departments.
• Research payroll concerns and provide appropriate resolution or escalation.
• Help identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, training, and communication.

• Maintain and update payroll process documentation, checklists, calendars, and workflow materials.
• Support development and maintenance of backup payroll procedures to ensure business continuity.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll…