Payroll Specialist

A growing real estate organization near Teaneck, NJ, is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to manage end-to-end payroll processing across a multi-entity, multi-state environment. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely bi-weekly payroll for approximately 500 employees, including a mix of salaried and hourly, union and non-union staff.

This is a high-impact role requiring strong technical expertise, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally with HR and Finance.


Responsibilities:

• Process and manage full-cycle bi-weekly payroll for ~500 employees across multiple entities and states
• Review, validate, and approve payroll for salaried and hourly employees (roughly 20% salaried / 80% hourly), including union (50 employees) and non-union populations
• Ensure accurate tracking and approval of employee hours, overtime, and PTO
• Maintain and audit employee payroll data in ADP (Workforce Now or similar ADP system), including pay rates, tax withholdings, and organizational assignments
• Process payroll-related items such as bonuses, commissions, reimbursements, deductions, and wage garnishments
• Administer union-related payroll components, including dues, health & welfare, and pension contributions
• Reconcile payroll reports, investigate discrepancies, and resolve issues in a timely manner
• Collaborate with HR and Finance to ensure alignment of employee data and payroll reporting
• Assist with payroll journal entries and ensure proper allocation of payroll expenses across properties/entities
• Support payroll tax filings, W-2 preparation, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries with professionalism and accuracy
• Maintain up-to-date payroll procedures and assist with training materials and onboarding support
• Contribute to payroll-related projects, including audits (401(k), workers' compensation) and system/process improvements
• Generate and distribute payroll reports to internal stakeholders
• Maintain strict confidentiality of payroll and employee information

Qualifications:

• 3-7 years of full-cycle payroll experience in a multi-state environment
• Experience processing payroll for both hourly and salaried employees; union payroll exposure is a plus
• Hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now (or similar ADP systems)
• Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, basic formulas)
• Solid understanding of payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements
• Experience with payroll tax filings and reporting
• High level of accuracy, organization, and ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interact across departments and employee levels
• Professionalism, discretion, and ability to handle sensitive information

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in real estate or property management environments
• Exposure to Illinois payroll regulations (or other complex state jurisdictions)
• Experience preparing payroll journal entries
• Prior experience supporting audits (401(k), workers' compensation, etc.)

Compensation: $75,000 - $85,000
Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, knowledge, skills, other job-related qualifications.