Payroll Specialist

We are committed to food safety and quality, ensuring that all employees report any problems or risks to the appropriate personnel. The company has identified backups for key personnel to maintain operations in their absence. About the Role The Payroll Specialist is responsible for accurate and timely end‑to‑end payroll processing for diverse employee groups, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, tax filings, garnishments, and deductions. This role maintains payroll data integrity, supports audits and reporting, and partners with HR staff across multiple locations to provide guidance and resolve payroll-related matters. Responsibilities Responsible for processing regular and off-cycle payrolls for assigned employee groups, including salaried, hourly, union, multi-state, and deferred compensation employees. Independently audit and validate payroll data including time records, earnings, deductions, taxes, PTO accrual balances, and direct deposit information to ensure accurate payroll processing and compliance with company policies and applicable regulations. Prepare weekly payroll bank funding information and assist Finance with payroll-related journal entries as needed. Process payroll adjustments such as retroactive pay, historical corrections, bonuses, and final paychecks as needed or required by applicable laws and regulations. Provide support and training to administrative employees and Human Resources staff at manufacturing plant locations regarding timecard and payroll-related questions. Responsible for garnishments and other compliance related payroll deductions and remittances, ensuring accurate processing, timely payments to third parties, and compliance with applicable regulations and policies. Maintain and update payroll-related employee records including pay changes, tax updates, deductions, leave balances, hires, and terminations. Partner with Human Resources to manage payroll records in relation to employee termination files. Research, analyze and resolve payroll discrepancies, tax issues, and system-related payroll concerns. Escalate major issues to the Payroll Manager for further investigation. Follow established compliance processes for federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, company policies, and applicable union agreements. Assist with payroll tax activities and provide documentation as requested. Process payroll activities related to retirement contributions, leave of absence pay, benefit deductions, and arrears balances. Provide reporting support as needed. Assist with payroll audits, reconciliations, year-end processing activities, and payroll-related reporting requirements. Coordinate with internal teams to support payroll processing and resolve routine issues. Assist with payroll system testing, implementations, upgrades, and process improvement initiatives. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee and payroll information while providing professional customer service and operational support. Maintain updated procedure documentation. Identify and communicate process improvement suggestions. Have regular attendance and work appropriate number of hours to get the essential functions completed. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field (or a combination of relevant course work and hands‑on experience). 3+ years of end‑to‑end payroll processing experience. Experience with a cloud‑based payroll system (UKG Pro, Workday, ADP, or similar) preferred. Experience with complex payroll environments (union, multi‑state, diverse pay cycles) strongly preferred. Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Required Skills Demonstrate exceptional attention to detail in all aspects of work, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Apply analytical and problem‑solving skills to evaluate common situations and determine appropriate resolutions. Consistently apply established rules, regulations, and company policies against payroll responsibilities. Assist with implementation of system updates, enhancements and process changes. Adapt to changing payroll regulations and organizational needs. Collaborate effectively across departments. Provide outstanding customer service through effective verbal and written communication, active listening and follow‑up. Prepare clear, concise, and accurate documentation to support payroll processes and compliance requirements. Effectively organize, prioritize and manage multiple assignments in a fast‑paced environment with competing deadlines. Perform common mathematical calculations accurately in support of payroll processing. Meet behaviors established in the Company's Performance Culture and Values. Preferred Skills Experience with a cloud‑based payroll system (UKG Pro, Workday, ADP, or similar) preferred. Experience with complex payroll environments (union, multi‑state, diverse pay cycles) strongly preferred. Pay range and compensation package Details regarding pay range or salary or compensation will be provided during the interview process. #J-18808-Ljbffr