Payroll Specialist

Schedule:

M-F 8a-5p

Payrate: $22.10/hr

Temp position lasting 3 months

The Payroll Specialist performs advanced payroll functions to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant processing of employee compensation. This role independently manages complex payroll transactions, applies payroll policies and collective bargaining agreements, resolves escalated payroll issues, and performs payroll reconciliation and reporting activities. The selected candidate will serve as a subject matter expert on payroll processes and may provide guidance and support to other payroll staff.

Key responsibilities include validating employee hours for accurate bi-weekly payroll processing, applying pay rules outlined in ATU and Teamster labor contracts, adhering to Department of Labor requirements, utilizing ADP Payroll, and assisting the Payroll Manager as needed.

• Process complex payroll transactions to ensure employees are paid accurately and on time
• Handle payroll adjustments, including: o Retroactive pay o Wage corrections o Supplemental payments o Final paychecks o Garnishments o Tax withholding adjustments o Benefit deductions o Other payroll-related corrections

• Interpret and apply payroll policies, procedures, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations
• Ensure payroll activities remain compliant with all governing requirements

• Investigate and resolve escalated payroll discrepancies and employee inquiries
• Identify root causes of payroll issues and implement corrective actions

• Review payroll data for accuracy and completeness prior to payroll processing
• Perform payroll-to-general-ledger reconciliations
• Research and resolve variances between: o Payroll records o Accounting records o Benefit deductions o Tax liabilities o Financial systems

• Prepare and maintain payroll reports and supporting documentation
• Analyze payroll data for management review

• Assist with internal and external audits
• Gather documentation and research payroll transactions
• Support process improvement and corrective action initiatives

• Assist with year-end payroll activities and reporting
• Reconcile payroll records, taxable wages, deductions, and tax reporting information

• Maintain confidentiality of employee payroll and personal information
• Serve as a payroll resource for staff, managers, and employees
• Manage garnishment setups and changes within ADP
• Review payroll preview registers and make corrections as needed
• Prepare check requests and supporting documentation for payroll deductions paid through Accounts Payable or ACH
• Process off-cycle payroll checks
• Assist the Payroll Manager with additional payroll functions as assigned

• Experience processing payroll in ADP
• Strong understanding of payroll laws and compliance requirements
• Experience working with collective bargaining agreements and union contracts
• Payroll reconciliation and auditing experience
• Knowledge of garnishments, tax withholding, and benefit deductions
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information

• Level 1 Background Check
• Seven-year criminal background investigation
• Social Security verification
• Sex offender registry check
• Must pass a 5-panel drug screen, including: o Amphetamines o Phencyclidine (PCP) o Cocaine o Opiates o Marijuana