Payroll Lead

Now Hiring: Payroll Lead Pay Rate: $20.00 per hour Why Join First Student? Competitive Pay! Medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) with company contribution Paid time off and paid holidays Company-paid life insurance Stable employment with a well-established organization Opportunities for growth and internal advancement Employee discounts on cell phone plans, vehicles, electronics, and more through PerkSpot Job Summary We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Lead Payroll Specialist to manage and process payroll operations efficiently at our St. Joseph, MO location. The ideal candidate will have strong skills in payroll systems, accounting software, and human resources platforms. This role involves ensuring accurate payroll processing, compliance with relevant regulations, and maintaining precise employee data. The Payroll Specialist will play a vital part in supporting our HR and finance teams to deliver timely and accurate compensation to employees. Responsibilities Process payroll using systems such as Workday, ADP, Kronos, UltiPro, PeopleSoft, Ceridian, or similar HRIS and payroll software. Ensure accurate data entry for employee hours, wages, deductions, and benefits. Reconcile payroll accounts and prepare reports for management review. Manage accounts payable and receivable related to payroll expenses. Maintain employee records related to compensation, benefits, and tax information. Collaborate with HR to ensure compliance with employment laws and company policies. Assist with year-end payroll processing, including tax filings and reporting requirements. Support audits by providing necessary documentation and analysis of payroll data. Stay updated on changes in payroll regulations and implement necessary adjustments. Requirements HS Diploma required, Associates or Bachelors preferred but not required Proven experience with payroll systems such as Workday, ADP, Kronos, UltiPro, PeopleSoft, Ceridian or similar platforms. Strong knowledge of accounting software including QuickBooks or equivalent. Familiarity with HRIS systems and human resources processes. Experience in account reconciliation, bookkeeping, and financial analysis. Excellent data entry skills with high accuracy and attention to detail. Knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance standards. Strong analytical skills to interpret complex data sets and generate reports. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with HR and finance teams. Prior experience in accounts payable/receivable is preferred but not required. This role offers an opportunity to be a key contributor in our finance department by ensuring the integrity of our payroll processes while supporting organizational compliance and efficiency. First for a reason: At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more than 5 million students and passengers to and from their destinations each day! Our family of brands include Transco, Total Transportation, Maggies Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation; they create and implement the most advanced training and technology the transportation industry has to offer. First for a reason: At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more than 5 million students and passengers to and from their destinations each day! Our family of brands include Transco, Total Transportation, Maggies Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation; they create and implement the most advanced training and technology the transportation industry has to offer. In the state of Washington, all technician and driving positions, including but not limited to van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company-owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing, including cannabis. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace. First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, and any other fair chance law. Philadelphia’s Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance Poster is at this link or upon request MISSION Provide unmatched care and the safest ride to school, so when students arrive, they start and end their day with an exceptional experience and are ready to achieve their full potential. FOCUS ON SAFETY Safety is at the heart of everything we do CARE FOR OUR STUDENTS Ensure our vehicles are welcoming and trusted places where students feel comfortable and secure SURPASS CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS Go the extra mile to deliver an extraordinary experience for our customers and communities FOSTER TEAMWORK Work together, act with integrity, respect each other, champion diversity and inclusion SET THE HIGHEST STANDARDS Continually seek a better way to do things with innovation, sustainable practices, financial discipline, commercial excellence, and operational excellence