Payroll Specialist

Join our award winning culture! Under the general direction of the HR Manager, the Payroll & HRIS Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll, administration, and optimization of the Human Resources Information System (HRIS), and delivery of organizational HR reporting and analytics. This role ensures compliance with federal and state wage and hour laws while maintaining the integrity of employee data and payroll processes. The Payroll & HRIS Specialist serves as a subject matter resource for HRIS functionality, supporting system configuration, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement efforts, including system enhancements and workflow optimization. Additionally, this role provides backup support to the Total Rewards Analyst in areas of benefit administration, leaves of absence, and wellness initiatives. This position partners across the organization to develop, analyze, and distribute HR metrics and reports that support data-driven decision-making and organizational effectiveness. Essential Competencies: Maintain accurate employee and organizational data in LCI’s HRIS, including daily workflows and employee self-service functionality. Administer payroll in compliance with federal and state wage and hour laws, including reconciliation of monthly, quarterly, and annual tax and deduction reports and year-end W-2 processing. Ensure payroll, HRIS, and reporting responsibilities are completed accurately, timely, and in compliance with applicable requirements. Develop, analyze, and distribute recurring and ad hoc HR metrics and reports to support organizational decision-making. Identify and recommend HRIS, payroll, and reporting improvements that enhance efficiency, accuracy, compliance, and user experience. Demonstrate sound judgment, protect sensitive employee and organizational information, and consistently apply payroll, HRIS, and recordkeeping practices in accordance with internal policy and applicable laws. Maintain HR intranet resources and materials to support access to current employee information. Coordinate credentialing and renewal processes to support compliance with background checks, licensure, certification, and insurance requirements of LCI. Maintain an understanding of Lakeland Care’s operations, how functions are interconnected, and how HR practices support organizational effectiveness. Conduct regular audits for data accuracy and compliance and provide end-user support including training and documentation. Provide high-quality customer service and a positive experience to employees across all stages of the employee lifecycle. Exhibit maturity, resilience, and sound judgment when responding to organizational change. Respect differing perspectives and concerns, demonstrating openness to diverse viewpoints and honesty in all interactions. Respond to employee and leader questions with professionalism, discretion, and a service-minded approach. Provide administrative and back-up support for recruiting and onboarding processes, including gathering required employment information, completing verifications, and facilitating elements of orientation as needed. Manage relationships with HRIS vendors, auditors, and other external partners to support quality, reporting, audit readiness, and internal controls. Serve as a primary internal resource on payroll, HRIS functionality, and reporting needs. Maintain the confidentiality of employee, organizational, and protected health information (PHI) in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations, including HIPAA. Ensure HR records, employee personnel files, and employment law postings are maintained in compliance with federal and state requirements. Support the organization’s mission, vision, values, policies, and collaborative working relationships. Provide backup support as necessary to the Total Rewards Analyst. Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources or a related field, or an equivalent combination of formal education and experience. Minimum of three years of technical experience with various HR processes and disciplines (specifically in the area of Payroll). Paylocity experience a plus. Organizational, project management, and analytical skills to support HR systems and projects. Experience with FMLA, ADA, FLSA classification, benefits eligibility, employee policy interpretation, or leave documentation preferred. Comprehensive interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Strong analytical skills with attention to detail. Knowledge of HR regulations and practices. Familiarity with HR compliance documentation, payroll-adjacent workflows, onboarding systems, or employee records management. Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and willingness to learn new software applications. Ability to maintain high level of confidentiality. Current driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and proof of adequate insurance required. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lakeland Care is a Wisconsin-based non-profit organization that focuses on creating a world we all want to live in. With long-standing roots as a managed care organization (MCO), we provide long-term care services to eligible elders and individuals with physical and intellectual or developmental disabilities. Currently we serve members in 22 counties and have 11 offices throughout the Central to North East region of Wisconsin. Our Mission Empowering individuals. Strengthening communities. Inspiring futures. Our Vision To create a world we all want to live in. Our Core Values Kindness – We believe kindness is always possible and that no compassionate act is ever wasted. Inclusion – We believe that open hearts and open minds are the only path to a brighter future. Trust – We believe that honesty is still in style and that promises still have power. We are an equal employment opportunity employer functioning under an Affirmative Action Plan. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. We are an organization that participates in E-Verify.