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. What we do: For 150 years, Watts has built best-in-class products that are trusted by customers in residential and commercial settings across the world. We are at the forefront of innovation, working with cutting-edge technology to provide smart and connected, sustainable water solutions for the future. Watts is a leading brand with a quality reputation — and we have a dynamic future ahead. 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 String 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 While performing the job duties, you will be working in an office environment. You will be required to work in the office at the Andover, MA location three days per week (Monday – Wednesday) and can work remotely two days per week (Thursday and Friday). Physical Requirements 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. Nothing in this job description restricts Watts’ right to assign or reassign duties, responsibilities, and working hours/conditions to this position at any time. This position is “at will,” which means that either the employee or Watts may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and for any lawful reason. 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 Learn more about our benefit offerings here: 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 Water is a global leader of quality water solutions for residential, industrial, municipal, and commercial settings. Our family of brands offers some of the most varied product lines in the world, with world‑class, water‑related solutions focused on: Drainage and Water Reuse HVAC and Hot Water Plumbing and Flow Control Water Quality and Rainwater Harvesting. We are a $1.9 billion global company, listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) with a presence in five (5) continents and twenty‑four (24) countries, and an employee population that speaks over eighteen (18) languages. As a people‑first company, we prize enriching and caring for all who work here not only through words but through actions. This includes executing our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategy, and providing our employees with meaningful career growth opportunities, a positive and safe work environment, and affirmation that they are heard, valued, and respected. We are proud to be an organization that believes that a safer world is a more sustainable world – a belief that we proudly reflect in each of our technologies and solutions and our environmental and social commitments, such as our partnership with Planet Water Foundation. Learn more about the Watts way, here. Specialties Plumbing, HVAC, Water Quality, and Gas Headquarters Headquarters Americas & Corporate Headquarters: North Andover, Massachusetts, USA Asia‑Pacific, Middle East & Africa (APMEA) Headquarters: Shanghai, China Company Size About 5,000 employees Website Industry Machinery Founded 1874 #J-18808-Ljbffr