Payroll Specialist

Payroll SpecialistPAYROLL SPECIALIST $16.50 - $17.50 per hour, based upon experiencePOSITION OVERVIEW The Payroll Specialist follows established payroll procedures to help ensure employees are compensated accurately and on time in accordance with applicable federal and state requirements. This position enters and audits payroll data, prepares payroll files, answers payroll questions, and provides payroll information to employees.Candidate Profile: Candidates with direct payroll experience are strongly preferred. The strongest applicants will be comfortable with payroll data entry and auditing, balancing, reconciliations, timekeeping, deductions, payroll reporting, and confidential employee information.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESMaintain responsibility for assigned payroll processes and data accuracy, including upload-file preparation and balancing.Conduct scheduled audits of payroll records to ensure continued accuracy.Prepare payroll and paychecks to help ensure employees are paid on time and in the correct amount.Enter and audit payroll data in databases and spreadsheets; review, correct, transmit, download, and verify processed payroll.Calculate and prepare manual payroll checks as directed by payroll leadership.Maintain electronic payroll documentation and create, export, import, and enter payroll files and data, including earnings, deductions, and tip-related pay.Research and respond to payroll-related inquiries and requests.Collect, verify, and record timekeeping, attendance, and PTO information.Process garnishments, levies, bankruptcies, child-support wage assignments, and other third-party requests.Create and run payroll reports and process employment verifications.Reconcile monthly balance-sheet accounts related to benefits, taxes, garnishments, and tip-related general ledger accounts.Remain current on legislative changes involving federal, state, and local wage and tax laws.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESKnowledge of payroll practices and generally accepted accounting principles.Proficiency with automated payroll/accounting systems, data entry, account balancing, and Microsoft Office Suite.Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.Analytical mindset with a strong sense of urgency, flexibility, accuracy, and attention to confidential information.Ability to analyze and solve problems, prioritize strict deadlines, and perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE High school diploma or GED required. Two years of previous accounting or bookkeeping experience required. Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Excel are required. Payroll experience is strongly preferred and will be weighed heavily when determining fit and starting pay within the posted range.PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS Primarily an indoor, office-based position requiring prolonged periods of sitting and regular use of a computer, calculator, telephone, and other office equipment. Requires visual acuity, hearing, hand-eye coordination, and manual dexterity. Must be able to move general office items weighing up to approximately 15 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform essential job functions.EQUAL OPPORTUNITY Equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on job-related qualifications and essential job functions without regard to characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.