Senior Payroll Specialist

Senior Payroll Specialist

At FORTÉ, every role plays a part in reimagining how the modern workplace works. Whether you're on the front lines with customers or behind the scenes making things run, your work helps people connect, collaborate, and get things done. From classrooms to control centers, we design and deliver the systems that power smarter, more connected workplaces – and it all starts with the people who make them possible. FORTÉ (formerly AVI Systems) is a 100% employee-owned company with 50+ years of experience and a bold new identity.

The Senior Payroll Specialist reports directly to the Payroll Manager and is responsible for supporting the accurate and timely processing of company payrolls. This role assists with biweekly payroll, monthly payrolls, incentive and commission payments, off-cycle checks, payroll adjustments, garnishments, employee payroll changes, timekeeping review, payroll reconciliations, and payroll-related compliance activities.

The Senior Payroll Specialist serves as a key payroll resource for employees, managers, branches, HR, Finance, and external payroll-related agencies. This position requires strong attention to detail, confidentiality, payroll system knowledge, and the ability to research, resolve, and communicate payroll issues in a professional and timely manner.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review employee time records and Time Bills in preparation for biweekly payroll processing.
• Identify and follow up on missing, incomplete, or irregular time entries, including employees reporting fewer than scheduled daily hours.
• Work with corporate and branch management to resolve timekeeping exceptions prior to payroll processing.
• Enter and maintain employee payroll changes in Dayforce and other applicable systems, including new hires, terminations, status changes, direct deposit, tax forms, deductions, and other payroll-related updates.
• Process garnishments, levies, child support orders, and other wage attachments in accordance with applicable instructions and legal requirements.
• Review and approve employee W-4 and direct deposit changes for completeness and accuracy.
• Ensure employee pre-tax deductions, benefit deductions, and other payroll deductions are processed correctly.
• Support 401(k), ESOP, and related payroll contribution processing, including employee deferrals, employer contributions, loan deductions, and contribution changes.
• Support payroll compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour requirements.
• Assist with Davis-Bacon Act and prevailing wage requirements, including collection, review, and processing of required payroll information.
• Use payroll, timekeeping, and related systems to process payroll information efficiently and in accordance with established procedures.
• Submit and monitor payroll system cases or support requests as needed.
• Assist with system testing, payroll process improvements, and documentation updates.
• Partner with HR, Finance, Accounting, branches, managers, and employees to resolve payroll-related matters.

Qualifications:

• 4+ years of payroll processing experience, preferably in a multi-state payroll environment.
• Experience using payroll and timekeeping systems, preferably Dayforce or a similar payroll platform.
• Strong knowledge of payroll processing, federal and state wage and hour requirements, payroll taxation, deductions, garnishments, and payroll recordkeeping.
• Ability to review payroll data, identify discrepancies, and resolve issues effectively.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and follow-through.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information appropriately.

Why Should You Apply?

At FORTÉ, your work matters, and it's easy to see the impact you make. That's because we're 100% employee-owned, and everyone here has a stake in how we show up – for each other, our customers, and the future we're building. You'll join a team that values your strengths, supports your growth, and shares your commitment to doing work that moves people and organizations forward. With bold momentum and a clear mission, FORTÉ is a place where you can bring your best – and build what's next.

The benefits of ownership

At FORTÉ, you're not just covered – you're supported. Our employee-owners have access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to protect your health, grow your wealth, and help you do your best work.

Here's a look at what we offer:

• Healthcare, vision & dental coverage to keep you and your family well
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for more control over your healthcare dollars
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance for added peace of mind
• 401(k) with company match to invest in your future
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) so you benefit directly from our shared success
• Tuition reimbursement and ongoing learning opportunities to support your growth
• Employer-paid employee assistance program to care for your physical, mental, and financial health
• Paid time off that helps you truly disconnect

FORTÉ is an equal opportunity employer, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.