Payroll Specialist

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist to join a fast-paced, high-volume payroll team. This role is ideal for a self-starter who understands payroll processing from end to end, can independently research and resolve complex issues, and takes ownership of seeing problems through to resolution. A significant portion of the position will involve managing payroll support tickets, union-related payroll activity, garnishments, and payroll troubleshooting . The Payroll Specialist will also partner closely with HR, HRIS, employees, and union representatives to ensure payroll information is accurate, compliant, and processed on time. The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, and comfortable digging into payroll data to understand why an issue occurred—not simply correcting the transaction. Strong UKG experience is required . Key Responsibilities Payroll Processing & Issue Resolution Support accurate and timely payroll processing in a high-volume, fast-paced environment. Review and reconcile payroll, timekeeping, deductions, adjustments, and employee data for accuracy. Research payroll discrepancies, identify root causes, and independently drive issues through resolution. Understand upstream and downstream payroll processes to evaluate how changes may impact employees and payroll results. Process payroll adjustments, corrections, special payments, and other payroll transactions as needed. Manage a high volume of employee payroll inquiries through the payroll ticketing system. Research and resolve tickets accurately while meeting established service-level and KPI expectations. Communicate clearly and professionally with employees regarding payroll questions and resolutions. Identify recurring issues and escalte trends that may indicate broader system or process problems. Union Payroll Support Serve as a key payroll point of contact for assigned union populations. Partner with HRIS and internal teams to ensure union information, deductions, and payroll requirements are flowing accurately through payroll systems. Review monthly union reports and reconcile union dues, initiation fees, and other required deductions. Communicate with union representatives as needed to research discrepancies and resolve payroll-related matters. Maintain accurate documentation and follow established union payroll processes and requirements. Compliance, Garnishments & Payroll Administration Process and maintain garnishments, child support orders, levies, and other court-ordered deductions. Support payroll compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and provincial requirements. Assist with Canadian payroll administration, including troubleshooting and submitting Records of Employment (ROEs) as applicable. Maintain accurate payroll records and supporting documentation. Protect confidential employee and payroll information at all times. Qualifications UKG payroll experience required. 5+ years of payroll processing or payroll operations experience preferred. Experience supporting union payroll populations strongly preferred. Experience managing payroll inquiries or high-volume ticket queues. Working knowledge of garnishments and payroll deductions. Canadian payroll/ROE experience is a plus. California payroll experience is a plus. Strong understanding of payroll processes, controls, and compliance requirements. Strong analytical and troubleshooting capabilities. Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to independently prioritize a high-volume workload and meet deadlines. Strong written and verbal communication skills. What We're Looking For Self-directed: Sees an issue, investigates it, and takes ownership through resolution. Analytical: Comfortable digging into payroll data and determining the root cause of discrepancies. Process-driven: Understands the importance of following established payroll controls and procedures. Dependable: Consistently follows through and meets deadlines in a high-volume environment. Professional: Communicates effectively with employees, HR, HRIS, leadership, and union representatives. Team-oriented: Focused on solving problems and contributing to a collaborative, accountable payroll environment. Adaptable: Comfortable managing changing priorities while maintaining accuracy and composure. This is a hands-on role for an experienced payroll professional who enjoys troubleshooting, problem-solving, and owning payroll issues from beginning to end in a complex, fast-moving organization. #J-18808-Ljbffr FlexTek