Payroll Specialist

• Position: Payroll Specialist • Position Summary: The Payroll Specialist helps support our payroll function for our growing client base and is responsible for all payroll-related processing activities. • Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Provide day-to-day payroll processing support for scheduled and off-cycle payrolls. • Import or manually enter payroll changes (hours, employee updates, earnings, deductions, tax overrides, etc.). • Calculate payroll and confirm accurate entry of client-provided payroll data by generating control totals for import files and performing manual reviews. • Respond timely and accurately to client inquiries via email, case management, and phone. • Partner with Payroll Supervisors on special projects to support clients. • Manage and support an assigned book of business. • Marginal Functions: • Build, maintain, and promote relationships with team members, peers across disciplines, and other company staff to ensure effective coordination of communications and client services. • Attend webinars and training to stay current on company and departmental best practices. • Complete projects and other duties as assigned by the supervisor. • Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: • Demonstrates effective time management, accurate recordkeeping, and completion of payroll tasks per schedules and compliance requirements. • Ability to multi-task while maintaining high accuracy and attention to detail. • Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate across teams and interact professionally at all levels. • Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel formulas, pivot tables, data validation) and Outlook (email management, scheduling). • Uses analytical thinking to troubleshoot payroll issues, interpret data, and determine solutions quickly and confidently. • Exercises good judgment when evaluating situations, identifying problems, and determining courses of action. • Proven ability to partner with HR, Finance, and Operations to resolve payroll-related issues and ensure compliant processing. • Education & Experience: • High school diploma or equivalent; relevant non-traditional degree programs, certifications, or job training programs are acceptable. • Minimum of one year of customer service experience. • Payroll experience preferred but not required. • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and ability to learn other applications as needed. • Physical Demands: • Sedentary work: remains seated for extended periods at a desk or computer. • Manual dexterity: frequent use of hands and fingers to operate keyboard, mouse, printer, mail machines, and other office equipment. • Mobility: occasionally moves about the office for meetings, file retrieval, or collaboration. • Visual acuity: frequently reads detailed numerical data, spreadsheets, and system interfaces on screens and in print. • Lifting & carrying: occasional lifting/carrying of office supplies (typically less than 15 lbs.). • Mental Demands: • Attention to detail: review, verify, and enter payroll hours, deductions, earnings, and tax adjustments with precision. • Problem-solving: interpret payroll data, identify discrepancies, calculate adjustments, and determine corrective actions. • Multitasking and task prioritization: manage multiple tasks and an assigned book of business under tight deadlines. • Adaptability: adjust to changing client requirements, system updates, or unexpected payroll issues. • Confidentiality and discretion: handle sensitive employee information, compensation data, and tax details in compliance with privacy and security standards. • Concentration: maintain focus during repetitive or detailed tasks (manual data entry, auditing, reconciliation). • Stress management: handle stressful situations calmly and effectively when addressing client concerns. • Communication Demands: • Interpersonal skills: build relationships and communicate effectively with em