Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist (Canada, US and Mexico) Contract 12 months/+ Houston, TX office Hybrid The Payroll Specialist will perform payroll administration, processing, taxation and accounting functions for the North American companies (Canada, US and Mexico). Key Tasks and Responsibilities: Processing Payroll: Backup to payroll processor. Accurately calculates and processes payroll for employees on a weekly basis, ensuring timely and correct compensation, including wages, overtime, bonuses, and deductions. This involves gathering and verifying time and attendance data, entering it into the payroll system, generating paychecks and initiating payments. Calculating Wages and Deductions: Determines the correct amount of pay, incorporating overtime, deductions (like taxes, insurance, or retirement contributions), bonuses, and other relevant factors. Processing and Monitoring Garnishment Orders: Processes and monitors garnishment orders and other involuntary deductions, ensuring compliance with legal requirements. Maintaining Payroll Records: Keeps accurate and up-to-date records of all payroll transactions, including employee information, salaries, deductions, and tax forms. Handling Payroll-Related Inquiries: Responds to employee and company questions and concerns about payroll, paychecks, or deductions. Resolving Payroll Discrepancies: Investigates and resolves any discrepancies or issues related to payroll processing or payments. Ensuring Tax Compliance: Stays current on federal, state, and local tax laws and regulations related to payroll, ensuring accurate calculation, withholding, and timely submission of payroll taxes. Reviewing and Investigating Tax Discrepancies: Reviews and investigates all payroll-related tax accounts as required. Reviews and assists with quarterly and annual tax reports. Payroll-Related Accounting and Reconciliations: Creates, validates and posts payroll-related entries to the general ledger. Reconciles payroll accounts and deductions with the general ledger, ensuring accuracy and balance each payroll. Additional duties as required. Essential Qualifications and Education: Advanced to Expert Knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Reporting Databases. Strong Math and Data Entry Skills: Accuracy and efficiency in calculating and entering payroll data are crucial. Attention to Detail: Ensuring the accuracy of payroll information and compliance with regulations requires careful attention to detail. Knowledge of Payroll Software: Familiarity with common payroll software systems (such as UKG, ADP, Paychex or other external payroll providers) is beneficial. Understanding of Tax Laws and Regulations: Knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local tax laws, as well as labor regulations, is essential. Excellent Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Ability to effectively communicate with employees, managers, and external parties is important for addressing inquiries and resolving issues. Ability to Work Independently and as Part of a Team: Task may require work independently or as part of a team, but also collaborating with colleagues and other departments as needed. Associate degree in Accounting or Finance, or an equivalent combination of training and/or experience. 3 - 5 years of relevant experience, preferably with UKG Pro Payroll system. Expert knowledge of Microsoft Excel software. Competency in Analytical Problem Solving, Strong Communication, Customer/Partner Relationships, and Technology Expertise preferred. Written and oral communication skills. Interpersonal and teamwork skills. #J-18808-Ljbffr