Payroll Compliance Specialist

Payroll Compliance SpecialistThe Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of bi-weekly payroll for a large, multi-site employee population. This role plays a critical part in ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations while partnering closely with Human Resources, Operations, and Accounting. The ideal candidate is highly detail-oriented, proactive, and comfortable managing payroll in a fast-paced environment.Key ResponsibilitiesPayroll Processing & AdministrationProcess full-cycle bi-weekly payroll for 1,700+ employees across multiple locations.Reconcile payroll summaries, system data, and reports to ensure accuracy and completeness.Enter and maintain new hire information, including personal data, tax forms, wage details, and direct deposit or pay card setup.Process personnel changes such as pay adjustments, promotions, transfers, and terminations.Calculate, track, and administer payroll deductions and garnishments, including benefits, retirement contributions, and other withholdings.Respond to employee inquiries regarding pay, deductions, direct deposits, and pay cards in a timely and professional manner.Maintain strict confidentiality of payroll and employee information.Compliance & ReportingEnsure compliance with FLSA and all applicable federal, state, and local wage and hour regulations.Prepare and manage payroll-related compliance reporting, including:Year-end W-2 reportingACA reporting (1094/1095 forms)SUTA and state unemployment filingsNew hire reportingSupport year-end payroll verification, including earnings, deductions, accruals, and tax rates.Assist with internal and external payroll audits by providing required documentation.Manage Workers’ Compensation claims and support related audit requests.Handle employment verifications in accordance with company policy and legal requirements.Systems, Coordination & DocumentationCollaborate with Payroll, Human Resources, Accounting, and Operations to ensure accurate and timely employee data flow.Maintain electronic employee personnel files and ensure updates are processed accurately.Coordinate payroll system setup for new locations with the payroll provider.Partner with Accounting to reconcile monthly benefit invoices and payroll-related accounts.Preferred Qualifications:3+ years of payroll processing experience; experience supporting a large employee population strongly preferred.Paycom experience highly preferred.Human Resources experience is a plus.Strong understanding of payroll compliance, wage and hour laws, and payroll tax reporting.Associate’s degree required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.