Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Twin Rivers Paper Company, headquartered in Madawaska, Maine, is an integrated specialty paper manufacturer producing 400,000 tons of paper per year for the packaging, publishing, label, and technical sectors. With 100 years of papermaking history, the company operates a pulp mill in New Brunswick, and diverse paper assets in northern Maine and upstate New York that produce uncoated and coated white papers in a broad range of basis weights and finishes. Customized product development and dedicated technical services support are company hallmarks. With a sound financial structure and a strong balance sheet that fuels continuous investments in its assets, Twin Rivers Paper offers its customers the security of local product availability through a strong, domestically‑owned manufacturer and the assurance of long‑term viability. Reporting to the Manager Payroll & Benefits, the Corporate HR Specialist is responsible for managing and administrating the Corporate & Madawaska Salaried payrolls. Under the direction of the Manager, Payroll & Benefits, the Corporate HR Specialist serves as the primary HRIS and UKG subject matter expert, supporting system administration, implementations, integrations, reporting and continuous improvement initiatives across U.S. operations. Scope The Corporate HR Specialist will assist the Manager Payroll & Benefits and will also be a resource to all HR Managers and HR support staff. The Corporate HR Specialist is responsible for the technical aspects of HRIS, creating & generating reports, monitoring payroll & tax compliance and working with the locations to ensure they have payroll SOP’s and trained personnel for their payroll backup needs. The incumbent will be the HRIS expert coordinating the necessary training required at the location levels and leading our organization from manual processes to automated processes. Responsibilities Responsible for end‑to‑end administration and processing of Corporate and Salary payrolls on a biweekly basis. Ensures payrolls are processed accurately, timely, and in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. Reviews and audits payroll data, including employee earnings, deductions, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and time records; validates payroll calculations; reconciles payroll‑related general ledger accounts and liabilities; coordinates funding and payroll transmissions; and resolves payroll discrepancies. Maintains payroll records, prepares payroll reports, supports payroll tax filings and remittances, coordinates year‑end activities, and serves as the primary point of contact for payroll‑related inquiries. Partners with Finance, Benefits, HR, and external vendors to ensure payroll accuracy, compliance, reporting integrity, and successful completion of internal and external audits. Supports payroll tax administration, audits, compliance reporting, vendor management, financial reconciliation, payroll system interfaces, and employee life cycle transitions across U.S. operations. Under the direction of the Manager, Payroll & Benefits, serves as the primary HRIS and UKG subject matter expert for assigned functions, supporting system administration, security, reporting, integrations, implementation activities, user training, and process automation initiatives to improve efficiency and data integrity. Assist the HR organization in ensuring HRIS initiatives are appropriately prioritized and implemented in a timely manner; supports cross‑training of payroll team members; and assists HR teams in transitioning from manual processes to automated solutions. May participate in the development and implementation of HRIS enhancements. Keep appraised of federal, state, and local payroll & taxation regulations to ensure the company is in compliance. The incumbent ensures that new legislation affecting payroll is communicated when required and appropriate actions and practices are in place. Responsible for all compliance matters in the area of specialty. Serves as the subject matter expert for payroll‑related administration of 401(k) and retirement plans, including EDI/interface management, contribution processing, funding support, compliance reporting, and audit activities. Assists with payroll, retirement plan, and HRIS integration activities related to mergers, acquisitions, and other organizational changes. Assists the Manager, Payroll & Benefits on onboarding activities for corporate and remote employees regarding payroll, benefits, HRIS, and related employment matters. Serves as the record keeper and primary point of contact for payroll, retirement plan, workers’ compensation, and other assigned internal and external audits, ensuring timely and accurate reporting and documentation. Maintain positive working relationships with external vendors and service providers supporting payroll, benefits, retirement plans, HRIS, and compliance related activities. Under the direction of the Manager, Payroll & Benefits supports the administration of employee benefits programs, including health and welfare plans, retirement plans, disability and life insurance programs, annual open enrollment activities, vendor interfaces, billing reconciliation, and benefit related compliance requirements. Performs other duties and special projects as assigned in support of departmental and organizational objectives. Requirements Education & Experience Associate’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field required. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in payroll administration required. Experience administering multi‑state payrolls and payroll tax compliance required. Experience with HRIS systems and payroll applications required; UKG experience strongly preferred. Experience supporting employee benefits and retirement plan, including 401(k) administration preferred. Experience supporting both U.S. and Canadian payroll and benefits programs preferred. Experience with payroll audits, reconciliations, compliance reporting, and vendor management preferred. Experience supporting system implementations, integration, process improvement, and/or mergers and acquisitions preferred. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws, regulations, and tax requirements. Knowledge of payroll accounting principles and general ledger reconciliations. Working knowledge of employee benefits and retirement plan administration. Strong HRIS and reporting capabilities, including data management, auditing, analysis, and EDI file management. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications. Ability to manage confidential and sensitive employee information with discretion and professionalism. Strong analytical, organizational, problem solving, and attention‑to‑detail skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical deadlines in a fast‑paced environment. Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with employees, management, vendors, and regulatory agencies. Demonstrated ability to train users, document processes, and support continuous improvement initiatives. Preferred Certifications Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification preferred. Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) preferred. HR certification (SHRM‑CP, SHRM, SCP, or SPHR) is considered an asset. Salary Range $75,000 - $95,000 Depending on Experience #J-18808-Ljbffr