Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist Scranton

Description

The Payroll Specialist supports the accurate and timely processing of payroll for all employees in compliance with company policies, applicable laws, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements. This role assists with payroll administration for both union and non-union employees, including reviewing timekeeping records, processing payroll changes, maintaining payroll data, and responding to employee payroll inquiries. The Payroll Specialist works closely with Human Resources, Operations, and Finance to ensure payroll accuracy and maintain employee records, while providing a high level of customer service and attention to detail. This position requires strong organizational skills, confidentiality, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Job Functions

• Process payroll for hourly and salaried employees accurately and on time, in accordance with company policies, applicable laws, and collective bargaining agreements
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of payroll updates, including new hires, terminations, and changes to pay rates
• Review and audit timekeeping records, attendance data, and payroll reports for accuracy and compliance
• Resolve issues and answer payroll-related questions for employees, supervisors, and other internal stakeholders
• Maintain payroll records and employee data while ensuring confidentiality and data integrity
• Assist with payroll corrections, adjustments, garnishments, and other payroll-related transactions as needed
• Support compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations and company policies
• Partner with Human Resources, Finance, and Operations to ensure accurate employee and payroll information
• Assist with payroll reporting, reconciliations, and year-end payroll activities
• Resolve payroll system configuration issues, including maintaining accurate earning and deduction codes, validating calculations and rules, and ensuring overall system accuracy
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
• Previous payroll, accounting, administrative, or related experience required.
• Experience supporting payroll operations in a manufacturing and/or unionized environment preferred, including interpreting and administering collective bargaining agreement provisions, payroll practices, overtime calculations, shift premiums, and other contractually required pay elements.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, including the ability to create and utilize formulas, pivot tables, lookups, filters, and data analysis tools to reconcile payroll data, identify discrepancies, and generate reports.
• Experience working with payroll, HRIS, and timekeeping systems (e.g., ADP, Workforce Management, Kronos, UKG, or similar platforms) required.
• Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to identify payroll process efficiencies and recommend system or procedural enhancements.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to handle confidential information required.
• Ability to communicate effectively and provide excellent customer service to employees and internal stakeholders.