Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist

Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD) is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of school buses since its founding in 1927. Our dedicated team members design, engineer and manufacture school buses with a singular focus on safety, reliability, and durability. School buses carry the most precious cargo in the world 25 million children twice a day making them the most trusted mode of student transportation. The company is the proven leader in low- and zero-emission school buses with more than 25,000 propane, natural gas, and electric powered buses sold. Blue Bird is transforming the student transportation industry through cleaner energy solutions.

Reporting to the Accounting Supervisor, this role is responsible for handling and maintaining all of the payroll functions for Blue Bird. This is a critical position responsible for maintaining employee's Private Protected Information (PPI) and answering payroll related questions. It requires an extensive knowledge of payroll systems and extraordinary mathematical skills and analytical abilities. Close attention to details and data integrity/accuracy is an essential requirement for this position.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Payroll Processing: Accurately process payroll, including salaries, wages, bonuses, commissions, deductions (e.g., benefits, garnishments), and taxes, with a strong preference with utilizing UKG software.
• Compliance and Auditing: Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws and best practices. Conduct regular payroll reconciliations and audits to identify and resolve discrepancies, and assist with year-end and audit preparations.
• Ensuring compliance with payroll and tax laws and preparing payroll reports and year-end statements such as W-2 forms.
• Providing support to employees regarding payroll inquiries.
• Identifying ways to improve payroll processes within UKG and staying informed about relevant regulations.
• Performing other related duties as assigned which includes but not limited to preparing off-cycle payrolls and handling garnishments.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities For Success

• Advanced Microsoft Excel including the ability to utilize VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and analyze large datasets
• Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, tax laws, and compliance standards (federal, state, and local).
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving payroll issues.
• Effective communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills to interact with employees and management professionally and diplomatically.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, capable of working accurately in a fast-paced environment and managing deadlines.
• Proven proficiency in UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) payroll software, strongly preferred.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with integrity and discretion.

Basic Education And Experience Required

• Associate's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field
• If no degree, 5+ years payroll experience, with UKG specific experience
• High School Diploma or GED
• 3+ years of experience in payroll
• All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and will be required to provide proof of employment eligibility at the time of hire.

We Value

• Ability to anticipate and understand customer needs and provide guidance
• Excellent interpersonal and customer relationship skills to handle difficult and sensitive matters.
• Strong project management skills. Exposure to difficult or complex projects a plus.
• Ability to influence stakeholders
• Effective communication and ability to communicate complex details in a clear manner.
• Flexible workspaces and work hours that help you unleash the best you.
• Working in a collaborative team and balancing the needs of individual stakeholders while delivering corporate objectives.

Includes

• Continued Professional Development
• Benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, 14 paid holidays, vacation time and 401k matching

Blue Bird is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. We strive to have the best available talent in every job based on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities each person brings. Blue Bird is committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Company operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination in all forms.