HR Payroll Specialist

Payroll SpecialistPosition Summary: The Payroll Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll for associates across the organization. This position is responsible for executing all aspects of payroll administration, including earnings, tax withholdings, deductions, liens, garnishments, taxed and tax-free or tax-deferred deductions, direct deposits, and time-off accruals, while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.Essential Functions:Process all facets of payroll for Union Bank and affiliated companies ensuring accurate and timely processing of payroll for associates across the organization including earnings, tax withholdings, deductions, liens, garnishments, taxed, and tax-free or tax deferred deductions and direct deposits associated with net earnings.Maintain the HCM payroll module by processing a variety of related transactions, including, but not limited to, new hire records, status changes, self-service transactions and separations.Maintain all time off accruals including but not limited to additional FTO for on-site required staff, annual United Way campaign, community involvement, floating holiday, excellence days, and automatic accrual notifications.Serve as the primary contact for resolution of payroll issues and respondent to inquiries regarding time entry and approval, accrual balances, time off requests, scheduling, and reporting.Troubleshoot and escalate issues with the HCM support services. Follow through to resolution.Produce required biweekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, including but not limited to 401(k), gross to net, gross monthly, overtime, time transfer and United Way.Balance and reconcile multiple bank accounts to general ledger and monthly departmental gift card purchases for associate recognition purposes.Participate in year-end payroll and W-2 processing including the balancing, production, and distribution of W-2's and annual reconciliations for all bank entities.Provide information necessary to respond to requests made by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, FDIC, Unemployment Office, internal/external audit, and internal/external verifications of employment.Maintain payroll and tax knowledge to remain current with trends and comply with regulatory changes.Ensure payroll compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local agencies and regulations including Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Social Security Administration (SSA) and Department of Labor (DOL).Participate in continuing education on payroll and timekeeping functions and system updates.Leverage reporting and analytic tools to test and verify the accuracy of payroll data, coordinating with appropriate HR staff to make corrections and adjustments.Understand and adhere to all bank policies, laws, and regulations applicable to their role. Complete compliance training: follow internal processes and controls as required. Report all compliance issues, violations of law or regulations in accordance with the steps defined in bank policies.Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position. Perform other job-related duties or special projects as assigned.Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in business administration or accounting or comparable work experience preferred.Minimum of 3 years' payroll and/or accounting experience required.Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred.Previous multi-state tax reporting and filing preferred.Proven understanding of general accounting principles preferred.Proven understanding of tax regulations required.Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and in working with other financial software.Preferred Talents:Highly accurate and detailedProven ability to maintain discretion and confidentialityStrong organizational skillsSelf- directed and takes initiativeAnalytical and problem solverTime efficient and deadline drivenComposed under pressureEffective communicator verbally and in writingWorking Environment:Indoor work – not exposed to outdoor elements or hazards.Ability to work evenings, weekends and/or holidays as neededSome sedentary work and lifting and/or carrying up to 20 pounds.This role is eligible for hybrid work from home opportunity under the work from home guidelines upon completion of onboarding.