Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist

We're Watts. Together, we're reimagining the future of water.

We feel proud every day about what we do. We're all part of the same crucial mission, no matter what function we support -- it's to provide safe, clean water for the world, and to protect our planet's most valuable resource.

We are seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to join our payroll team. This role is responsible for administering daily payroll operations, including the accurate processing of one weekly and twelve bi-weekly multi-state payrolls in a collaborative team environment. The Payroll Specialist will serve as a key point of contact for employees and managers, providing prompt responses to urgent payroll-related inquiries and delivering effective solutions as a valued member of the payroll team.

The role is hybrid and based in Andover, MA.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Assume ownership of the accurate processing and auditing of all payroll data for hourly and exempt employees across weekly and bi-weekly pay cycles using UKG Pro. This includes validating hours worked, tax data, direct deposit information, department allocations, pay adjustments, new hires, and terminations prior to finalizing payroll
• Administer wage garnishments, and ensure all deductions are processed in accordance with applicable jurisdictional requirements.
• Ensure full compliance with federal, state and local payroll laws and regulations.
• Process and maintain expense payments, positive pay files and 401K interfaces between external providers and UltiPro.
• Prepare detailed payroll-related journal entries for posting to General Ledger.
• Respond to employment verification and unemployment insurance claim inquiries.
• Perform per-pay-period audits and assist with quarter-end and year-end audits, adjustments, and reporting.
• Maintain SOX compliance for all payroll-related processes and documentation.
• Promptly follow up with employee and third-party inquiries resolving payroll discrepancies, errors and concerns.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as business needs require.

Required Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, HR or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 2 years of experience processing payrolls with varying levels of complexity and multiple payroll frequencies
• Ability to handle and communicate confidential information to employees, HR Business Partners and external providers
• Strong background in excel including functions such as VLOOKUPs and pivot tables
• Ability to multitask while maintaining strong organizational and time management skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills to support regulatory compliance, policy implementation and systems maintenance and enhancement activities
• Knowledge of Payroll Systems, HRIS and Time & Attendance platforms. Experience with Workday, UKG Pro and UTA preferred

General Applicable Company Competencies

• Commitment to Watts' values of integrity, accountability, continuous improvement and innovation, and transparency.
• Punctuality and dependability.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing work priorities and stressful conditions.
• Adherence to all personnel policies, procedures, and standards of process as implemented by Watts.
• Maintain productive and collaborative relationships with other Watts employees.
• Adherence to Watts' seven cultural beliefs: Growth Mindset, Customer-Focused Innovation, Constant Communication, Clear Goals, Collaborate Globally, Be Inclusive, and Take Action.

Working Conditions

• Ability to remain seated at a desk or workstation for extended periods.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks like typing on a keyboard or using a mouse for extended periods.
• Ability to physically move around the office, organize or transport files, packages, or other office-related materials.
• Ability to read documents, use a computer, and perform data entry tasks.
• Ability to communicate clearly with management and coworkers, particularly in meetings or phone calls.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment such as computers, printers, phones, and copiers.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry light objects, such as office supplies, documents, or small equipment.

Pay Range

The expected salary range for this position is $72,000-$81,000 yearly. Actual compensation will be dependent upon individual skills, experience, qualifications, and applicable law.

Watts in it for you :

Please note that the following benefits apply only to permanent roles and do not apply to internship roles.

• Competitive compensation based on your skills, qualifications and experience
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits
• Family building benefits, including paid maternity/paternity leave
• 10 paid holidays and Paid Time Off
• Continued professional development opportunities and educational reimbursement
• Additional perks such as fitness reimbursements and employee discount programs

How we work:

At Watts, our culture is team-oriented and supportive. Employees here genuinely care about the quality of their work, and about each other. Our people are the heart of who we are and contribute to our longevity and continued success.

And this is a place where you can have a big career. No matter your role, there are opportunities for learning and development, and your daily contributions make a meaningful impact on the lives of people who use our products and on the future of water.

Watts is committed to equal employment opportunity. We follow a policy of administering all employment decisions and personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic disposition or carrier status, marital status, military or veteran status, minorities, or any other category protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Consistent with the obligations of state and federal law, Watts will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Any employee who needs a reasonable accommodation should contact Human Resources.