Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for accurate and timely processing of multi-state payrolls, payroll adjustments, incentive and special payments, payroll reconciliations, and employee support. This position partners closely with HR, Finance, Benefits, and business leaders to ensure payroll compliance, data integrity, and exceptional customer service. The Payroll Specialist supports payroll operations through continuous process improvement, audit readiness, and cross-functional collaboration.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Process weekly and biweekly multi-state payrolls accurately and within established deadlines.
• Review and process payroll adjustments, off-cycle payments, and special payroll transactions.
• Process incentive and compensation payments, including bonus and long-term incentive related transactions when assigned.
• Prepare checks, ACH payments and obtain bank confirmations
• Audit payroll results to ensure accuracy of earnings, deductions, taxes, garnishments, and benefit withholdings.
• Maintain employee payroll records, including direct deposits, tax elections, miscellaneous deductions, and garnishments.
• Respond to payroll inquiries from employees, managers, HR Business Partners, and other stakeholders.
• Generate payroll reports and provide analysis to internal business partners and leadership.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, and efficiencies.
• Assist with payroll audits, special projects, system testing, and payroll implementations as needed.
• Cross-train and provide support across all payroll functions to ensure business continuity.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 2-3 years of multi-state payroll experience.
• Experience processing payroll adjustments, bonuses, incentives, and special payments preferred.
• Experience supporting audits and compliance activities preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Advanced Excel skills including lookups, pivot tables, and data analysis.
• Experience with Workday Payroll preferred.
• Experience with timekeeping systems and payroll integrations preferred.
• Knowledge of payroll taxes, garnishments, and benefit administration.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to prioritize competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to build productive relationships across Payroll, HR, Finance, Benefits, and business functions.

Success Factors

• Delivers accurate payroll processing with minimal rework.
• Demonstrates strong ownership of payroll issues through resolution.
• Provides timely, professional support to employees and business partners.
• Supports continuous improvement and automation initiatives.
• Contributes to a collaborative, service-oriented payroll team.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• N/A

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• Moderate physical effort required such as standing, sitting, and walking in and around the office; the ability to lift up to 50 pounds; reaching, climbing, and kneeling as needed; utilizing fine dexterity, the ability to see, hear, and communicate with associates as well as others by utilizing professional etiquette.
• Personal protective equipment, as defined by C.H. Guenther and Son, will be provided.

Expectations:

• Will demonstrate, promote and exemplify the Company's Core Values.

At C.H. Guenther, we value transparency in compensation. By providing the salary range for this role, we aim to promote fairness and help candidates make informed choices about their career. The salary range for this role is:

$21.08 - $34.03

Actual compensation may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as geographic location.

C.H. Guenther & Son will never offer or pay a wage or salary that is not compliant with applicable local, state, or federal pay laws, including minimum salary thresholds.

We also offer a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, retirement savings options, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance programs, educational assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays.