UKG Payroll Specialist - AZ, GA - On Site

Payroll Specialist

The Payroll Specialist helps support our payroll function for our growing client base. This position will be 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 (payroll hours, employees updates, earnings, deductions, and tax overrides etc.).
• Calculate payroll and confirm accurate entry of client-provided payroll data through generating control totals for import files and through manual review.
• Respond timely and accurately to all client inquiries via email, cases, and phones.
• Partner with Payroll Supervisors on special projects to support clients.
• Manage and support assigned book of business.

Marginal Functions

• Build, maintain and promote relationships with team members, peers across disciplines, and all other company team members ensuring effective coordination of communications and services affecting clients.
• Attend webinars and training to stay up to date on best practices related to the company and department.
• Complete projects and other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrates effective time management, maintains accurate records, and ensures all payroll tasks are completed in accordance with established schedules and compliance requirements.
• Ability to multi-task while maintaining a high level of accuracy and strong attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and interact professionally with employees at all levels.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel (formulas, pivot tables, data validation) and Outlook (email management, scheduling).
• Uses analytical thinking to troubleshoot payroll issues, interpret data, and determine appropriate solutions quickly and confidently.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment when evaluating situations, identifying problems, and determining appropriate courses of action.
• Proven ability to partner with cross-functional departmentsincluding HR, Finance, and Operationsto resolve payroll-related issues and ensure accurate, compliant processing.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of experience, skills, education (including other relevant non- traditional degree programs, certifications, or job training programs) preferred.
• Minimum of one year's experience in Customer Service.
• At least one year of payroll experience is preferred but not required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and demonstrated ability to learn other applications as needed.

Physical, Mental, & Communication Demands

Physical Demands

• Sedentary Work: Primarily involves sitting for extended periods, often at a desk or computer.
• Manual Dexterity: Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
• Mobility: Ability to travel occasionally for meetings, events and partner visits. Occasional walking or traversing throughout the office to meet with leaders and other employees.
• Visual Acuity: Ability to read and analyze data on a computer screen (or to read and analyze data with reasonable accommodation) and in printed materials.
• Lifting & Carrying: Minimal physical lifting required, but may involve handling documents, and lifting light office supplies.

Mental Demands

• Attention to Detail: High level strategic thinking combined with attention to operational detail.
• Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on scalability and efficiency.
• Multitasking: Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Decision-Making: Sound judgement and decision-making in ambiguous or complex situations.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing market conditions and partner needs.
• Stress Management: Resilience under pressure and adaptability to shifting business needs.

Communication Demands

• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build and maintain strong relationships and communicate effectively with employees, managers, clients and external vendors.
• Negotiation: Skilled in negotiation, conflict resolution, and influencing without authority.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Communicate with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, demonstrating cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Verbal and Written Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for executive-level reporting, cross functional coordination, and team leadership. Ability to clearly articulate strategy, goals, and expectations across diverse teams.
• Presentation Skills: Ability to present to internal stakeholders, external partners, and senior leadership.

Environmental Conditions

The Payroll Specialist works in a professional, climate-controlled office environment with consistent lighting, temperature, and noise levels. The role is computer-intensive, requiring extended periods of sitting, frequent use of monitors and standard office equipment, and sustained visual focus while reviewing detailed payroll data. The environment involves regular interaction with clients and internal teams through email, phone, and virtual platforms, as well as handling confidential employee information in accordance with strict privacy and security standards.

Disclaimer

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee filling this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by management. Management has the right to add to, revise, or delete information in this job description. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise. Employment remains "at will". This position is eligible for the following benefits:

• Health Insurance : Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement Plan : 401(k) with company match
• Paid Time Off : PTO, Holidays, Parental leave and Sick Leave provided as required by applicable state law
• Other Benefits : Life insurance, short term disability, long term disability, employee assistance program (EAP), flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), Identity theft protection, critical illness, accident, cancer, hospital protection, legal and pet insurance.