Payroll Specialist

About the Role We are seeking a motivated and detail-driven Payroll Specialist to join our myHR Services team. This is an excellent opportunity for an early‑career professional looking to build a strong foundation in payroll operations. Reporting to the Sr. Payroll Manager, in this role you will support accurate and timely payroll processing, maintain employee payroll records, and assist in ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations—all within a collaborative, supportive team environment. Key Responsibilities Payroll Processing & Data Entry Assist with processing bi‑weekly, semi‑monthly, or monthly payroll for a defined employee population under the guidance of a senior team member. Enter and verify payroll data including new hire information, terminations, pay rate changes, tax withholdings, and benefit deductions. Review timekeeping records for completeness and accuracy, following up with managers or employees to resolve discrepancies. Assist with off‑cycle payroll adjustments and manual check requests as needed. Compliance & Recordkeeping Maintain accurate and organized payroll records in accordance with company policy and regulatory requirements. Assist with ensuring payroll activities comply with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws and tax regulations. Support year‑end payroll processes including W‑2 preparation, distribution, and reconciliation. Help ensure payroll tax filings and remittances are completed accurately and on time. Flag potential compliance issues to senior team members for review and resolution. Reporting & Reconciliation Run standard payroll reports and assist in reconciling payroll accounts and general ledger entries. Assist in auditing payroll data to identify and correct errors prior to final processing. Compile and organize data for internal and external audits as requested. Help prepare ad‑hoc reports for HR, Finance, or management as directed. Employee Support & Collaboration Respond to routine employee inquiries regarding paychecks, deductions, and payroll policies in a timely and professional manner. Escalate complex or sensitive payroll issues to the appropriate team member. Work collaboratively with HR and Benefits teams to ensure employee data is accurate and up to date. Support onboarding processes by setting up payroll information for new hires. Participate in payroll system testing and process improvement initiatives as opportunities arise. Qualifications Required Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field – or equivalent work experience. Experience: 1‑3 years of payroll, accounting, or HR administrative experience (internship or co‑op experience considered for entry‑level candidates). Attention to Detail: Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive data with accuracy and discretion. Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (basic formulas, data entry, and formatting) and general comfort with software systems. Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with employees at all levels. Organization: Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet recurring deadlines, and maintain organized records. Preferred Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field. Hands‑on experience with payroll software such as ADP Workforce Now, Workday, Ceridian Dayforce, Paychex, or similar platforms. Basic familiarity with federal and state payroll tax regulations. Experience with HRIS or timekeeping systems. Pursuit of or interest in obtaining the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP). Prior exposure to multi‑state payroll processing. Core Competencies Eagerness to Learn – demonstrates curiosity, receptiveness to feedback, and a proactive approach to professional development. Integrity & Confidentiality – handles sensitive employee compensation data with professionalism and discretion. Teamwork – works cooperatively with payroll, HR, and finance colleagues to achieve shared goals. Time Management – prioritizes effectively to meet recurring payroll deadlines and ad‑hoc requests. Problem Solving – identifies discrepancies and seeks appropriate guidance to resolve issues efficiently. #J-18808-Ljbffr