Payroll Specialist

Job Details Level: Experienced Location: Corporate - Madison, WI 53718 Position Type: Full Time Education Level: 2 Year Degree Summary The Payroll Specialist is responsible for processing accurate and timely payroll for approximately 1,000+ employees across multiple states. This role supports weekly payroll processing for bi-weekly North and South pay cycles, ensuring compliance with wage and hour laws, benefits deductions, and internal controls. The Payroll Specialist serves as the primary point of contact for payroll-related inquiries and partners closely with Operations, Accounting, and Human Resources. Excellent benefits offered. Responsibilities Manage and process bi-weekly payrolls for hourly, salaried, and commissioned employees. Review and validate timecards, overtime, commission and pay differentials. Process off‑cycle payrolls, bonuses, commissions, and final pay. Ensure payroll deadlines and cutoff schedules are met. Ensure proper audit systems are in place to account for accurate pay and benefit changes. Process payroll changes including new hires, terminations, internal transfers, garnishments, tax levies, child support orders, manual checks, leave requests, and various payroll deductions. Generate routine reports relating to payroll, time, paid leave, etc. Manage and maintain payments for employee cash reimbursements and expense reports for credit card reconciliation. Evaluate process and reporting improvements as needed. Problem solve and respond to employee payroll questions. Assist with W‑2 questions and corrections. Prepare payroll, headcount, overtime, and turnover reports. Partner with Operations on timekeeping accuracy. Escalate payroll issues and risks to leadership. Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times. Other duties as required. Qualifications Associate’s degree in Business or a related field; Bachelor’s degree is preferred. Five years of applicable experience managing the payroll process; multi-state experience is preferred. Experience processing payroll for 500+ employees preferred. Strong knowledge of wage & hour laws. Experience with complex pay cycles and variable compensation. Proficiency with HRIS/payroll systems (ADP, UKG, Paycom, Paylocity, etc.). High attention to detail and confidentiality. Excellent proficiency in MS Office (solid Excel skills is a must). Ability to organize and prioritize tasks to meet strict deadlines. Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks while paying close attention to detail. Strong personal integrity, confidentiality, and discretion. Work Environment & Physical Demands Ability to sit, stand, bend, kneel, stoop and lift/move up to 50 lbs. on a regular basis. Ability to work in an environment that includes 8–12‑hour days, and flexibility to extend working hours when necessary. #J-18808-Ljbffr