Payroll Specialist (Temporary)

As the leading transit bus manufacturer in the United States, GILLIG buses play a critical role in the environmental and social initiatives in communities across our nation. GILLIG is on the forefront in the transition to zero-emission vehicles and has an unmatched reputation in the industry for quality, reliability, durability, service, and support. From initial design through final assembly, each GILLIG bus is designed and built in Livermore, CA.


WHY GILLIG

• Leader in environmentally friendly mobility solutions including battery electric, hybrid electric, near-zero CNG and clean diesel transit buses
• Renowned for its inclusive team/family-oriented culture
• Stable, successful, and growing organization - a Bay Area business for over 132 years!
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Excellent compensation including company paid medical premiums, generous retirement plan and other comprehensive benefits

ABOUT THE ROLE

GILLIG is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Specialist (temporary) to support the accurate and timely processing of payroll. This role works under the guidance of the Payroll Lead and is responsible for executing payroll transactions, validating data, and assisting with payroll compliance across both corporate (non-union) and union populations.

The Payroll Specialist/Processor must have current working knowledge of UKG (at least work with Time and Attendance accrual experience). ECP is nice to have but not required. The "ideal candidate" brings deep expertise in SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll, UKG Time & Attendance (Kronos), and advanced Excel to support payroll analysis, reconciliations, audits, and reporting. Your ultimate goal will be to maintain compliance, streamline payroll procedures for efficiency, and stay current with payroll regulations and best practices. You will also be supporting payroll processing, compliance & accuracy as well as systems & reporting. This role reports directly to the Director, Human Resources.

IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL

• Process payroll transactions for hourly and salaried employees, including union and non-union populations
• Review and validate payroll data such as time entries, pay changes, deductions, and earnings
• Support payroll cycles, including off-cycle and manual check processing
• Assist in calculating overtime, shift differentials, and union-specific pay rules
• Ensure payroll data is accurate and compliant with federal, state, and local regulations
• Apply collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) to payroll processing with guidance from Payroll Lead
• Assist with payroll audits, reconciliations, and error resolution
• Help maintain payroll records and documentation in accordance with company policies
• Utilize SAP SuccessFactors EC Payroll for payroll processing and data management
• Support data validation between payroll and timekeeping systems (e.g., UKG/Kronos)
• Generate and review standard payroll reports; escalate discrepancies as needed
• Use Excel for basic to intermediate analysis (lookups, data validation, simple reconciliations)
• Partner with HR and Finance to resolve payroll-related inquiries
• Provide timely customer service to employees regarding payroll questions
• Participate in system testing and process improvement initiatives as needed
• Support HR and business leaders with payroll reporting, insights, and issue resolution
• Assist with company events and HR programs as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum 3 years of payroll experience, including exposure to union payroll
• Hands-on experience with UKG Time & Attendance (Kronos) (required)
• Hands-on experience with SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll (preferred)
• Experience supporting both union and corporate payroll environments
• Working knowledge of payroll regulations and wage and hour laws
• Hands-on experience with Wisely paycard and ADP Smart Compliance (preferred)
• Immediate to advanced Excel proficiency, including complex formulas, pivot tables, reconciliations, and payroll analysis
• Strong knowledge of payroll compliance, wage and hour laws, and best practices
• High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer
• Regularly required to sit, stand, and walk, occasionally kneeling or squatting
• No travel required
• The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• Standard start time: 6:30 AM (negotiable)
• Must be able to navigate manufacturing environment, comfortable around heavy machinery, tools, etc.
• Must be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment, (i.e. safety glasses, bump caps, hearing protection, etc.)

EXPECTED COMPENSATION

$35-$50 / hourly

Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job classification, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

GILLIG is committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace that values and respects the unique talents, experiences, and perspectives of our employees and the people we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.

GILLIG is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer.