Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Job purpose

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll in a multi-shift manufacturing environment. This role ensures payroll compliance, conducts audits, maintains data integrity within ADP Workforce Now, and serves as the primary point of contact for payroll-related matters. Limited HR administrative support may be required, primarily related to payroll and benefits upkeep..

Duties and responsibilities

• Process full-cycle payroll for hourly and salaried employees, including shift differentials, overtime, bonuses, and special earnings.
• Review and audit timecards for accuracy and compliance with federal and state wage laws.
• Validate payroll changes including pay rate adjustments, deductions, garnishments, and tax updates.
• Maintain and reconcile payroll
• Conduct routine payroll audits and identify discrepancies; recommend and implement corrective action.
• Generate payroll reports and support leadership with payroll data analysis.
• Ensure accurate processing of benefit deductions and tax withholdings.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries professionally and timely.
• Assist with year-end payroll activities including W-2 reconciliation.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of payroll information.
• Maintain employee payroll records within HRIS.
• Support benefit administration updates (enrollment changes, deduction updates, qualifying life events).
• Maintain I-9 documentation and payroll-related compliance records.
• Assist with workers’ compensation and leave tracking documentation as it relates to payroll.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field (preferred).
• Minimum 3 years of professional payroll processing experience.
• Hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now & Timeworks (Payroll, Time & Attendance, Benefits, and Reporting modules) preferred.
• Experience working in a 24/7, multi-shift manufacturing environment (500+ employee workforce) preferred.
• Strong knowledge of wage and hour compliance, overtime calculations, and payroll tax fundamentals.
• Experience processing complex garnishments and benefit deductions.

Experience & Competencies

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel) for payroll reconciliation and reporting.
• Strong auditing skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• High level of integrity, professional discretion, and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced, high-growth, and at times stressful environment.

Working conditions

• Must be able to work any and all shifts as directed.
• Must be able to work overtime as necessary, including holidays and weekends.
• Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time.
• Must be an avid Safety Champion and adhere to all safety programs and procedures.

Physical requirements

• Must wear non-slip, safety-resistant work shoes.
• Participation in mandatory pre-shift stretches and exercises.
• Proper use of required PPE, including hairnets, beard nets (if needed), and safety gloves.
• Must wear all required PPE when working with equipment or chemicals that require personal protection.
• Physical ability to: stand, sit at a desk, walk around the facility, lift/carry up to 50 lbs unassisted, reach, kneel, crawl, and twist.
• Must possess the ability to see, hear, and communicate with associates and others using professional etiquette.

Direct reports

• None

CandyCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic under applicable law. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process.