Payroll Administrator

Payroll Administrator

The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) is a member-owned and operated milk marketing cooperative known for producing high-quality, award-winning dairy products. Established in 1916, MMPA markets 5 billion pounds of milk annually and is the ninth largest dairy farmer-owned cooperative in the United States, serving members in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin. At MMPA, commitment to milk quality begins on the farm and extends through five processing facilities and wholly owned subsidiary brands, Superior Dairy and Heritage Ridge Creamery. With seven sites across Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, MMPA continues to shape the future of the dairy industry through innovation, product diversification and strategic growth while returning value to its member-owners.

Position Summary

The Payroll Administrator is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of weekly and bi-weekly payrolls for approximately 500 union and non-union employees across multiple locations. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and collective bargaining agreement requirements while maintaining payroll data integrity and providing exceptional support to employees and plant Human Resources teams.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, and committed to accuracy and customer service. This individual will serve as a payroll subject matter expert by supporting plant HR Clerks, administering union payroll activities, processing employee payroll transactions in ADP, and assisting with payroll audits, reporting, and process improvement initiatives. The successful candidate will exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Payroll Administration
  • Process accurate and timely weekly and bi-weekly payrolls for approximately 500 union and non-union employees.
  • Review and validate timekeeping records, earnings, deductions, overtime, shift premiums, bonuses, and benefit withholdings to ensure accurate payroll processing.
  • Ensure payroll activities comply with applicable federal, state, and collective bargaining agreement requirements.
  • Research and resolve payroll discrepancies, employee pay issues, and timekeeping exceptions.
  • Maintain payroll records and supporting documentation in accordance with company policies and record retention requirements.
• Union Payroll and Leave Administration
  • Process and reconcile union dues, benefit contributions, and related union billings.
  • Ensure union payroll deductions are administered accurately and in accordance with collective bargaining agreements.
  • Prepare reports and supporting documentation related to union payroll obligations.
  • Calculate and process Short-Term Disability (STD) payments in accordance with company policies and benefit plan requirements.
  • Coordinate payroll processing related to employee leaves of absence to ensure accurate compensation and benefit deductions.
• ADP Administration and Payroll Support
  • Process new hire information and maintain employee payroll records within ADP.
  • Ensure payroll system data is accurate, complete, and maintained with a high level of integrity.
  • Assist with payroll system testing, upgrades, and process enhancements.
  • Serve as the primary payroll resource for plant HR Clerks by providing guidance on payroll procedures, policies, and system processes.
  • Train new and existing HR Clerks on payroll processing, timekeeping procedures, ADP transactions, and payroll best practices.
  • Collaborate with Human Resources, Operations, and Finance to resolve payroll issues and improve payroll processes.
• Compliance, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement
  • Assist with internal and external payroll audits by preparing documentation, reconciliations, and reports.
  • Prepare government payroll reports and other required regulatory filings.
  • Develop, document, and maintain payroll standard operating procedures.
  • Participate in payroll process improvement initiatives designed to enhance efficiency, compliance, and internal controls.
  • Support year-end payroll activities, including payroll reconciliations, reporting requirements, and W-2 preparation.
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Education and Work Experience Requirements

• Associate's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field preferred; equivalent payroll experience may be considered.
• Three (3) or more years of payroll processing experience, preferably in a manufacturing or multi-location environment.
• Experience processing weekly and bi-weekly payrolls for union and non-union workforces.
• Experience using ADP Workforce Now or similar payroll and HRIS systems.
• Working knowledge of payroll regulations, wage and hour laws, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality while handling sensitive employee information.
• Strong written, verbal, customer service, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively both independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP).
• Experience processing union payrolls and administering union billings.
• Experience calculating disability pay and supporting leave administration.
• Experience supporting payroll audits, compliance reporting, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience developing payroll procedures and training end users.

Key Competencies

• Payroll accuracy and attention to detail
• Knowledge of union payroll administration
• Payroll compliance and regulatory knowledge
• Customer service and employee support
• Training and coaching
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Organization and time management
• Process improvement and documentation
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Confidentiality and professional integrity

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the responsibilities.

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of responsibilities that are required of the role. Responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

MMPA provides the opportunity for meaningful work that makes a difference in the dairy industry and in our communities. The diverse talents and perspectives of our employees help us to meet the needs of our member farms and the customers we serve.

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States.

MMPA is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and productive environment for all employees as one of our top priorities. As part of our commitment to your well-being and workplace safety, all applicants are required to undergo a drug screening and background check as part of the hiring process.

We are not accepting unsolicited candidate introductions, referrals, or rsums from third-party recruiters or staffing agencies for this position.

MMPA is an equal opportunity employer.