Payroll Specialist

Position SummaryThe Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll and serves as a key member of the Human Resources team. This role manages day-to-day payroll administration, employee payroll inquiries, payroll data and reporting, reconciliations, and employee changes while ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements.For a complete understanding of this opportunity, and what will be required to be a successful applicant, read on.The Payroll Specialist works closely with Human Resources and Finance to ensure employee data, compensation changes, deductions, and payroll records are accurate and properly maintained.The ideal candidate is highly detail-oriented, analytical, organized, and comfortable taking ownership of recurring processes and deadlines. This individual should have hands-on payroll experience and a strong commitment to accuracy, confidentiality, and employee service.Key ResponsibilitiesPayroll AdministrationProcess payroll accurately and on schedule for exempt and non-exempt employeesReview and validate payroll inputs prior to processingProcess new hires, terminations, promotions, salary changes, bonuses, and other compensation changesReview timekeeping records and identify discrepanciesProcess payroll deductions, garnishments, reimbursements, and other adjustmentsReview payroll previews and audit reports prior to final submissionCoordinate payroll approvals with HR and FinanceMaintain accurate payroll records and documentationAssist with off-cycle and special payrolls as neededEnsure final pay is processed in accordance with applicable state requirementsPayroll Reconciliation & AuditingPerform regular payroll audits to identify discrepancies and ensure data accuracyReconcile payroll reports against HRIS and employee recordsReview payroll registers prior to final processingReconcile payroll-related deductions and adjustmentsResearch and resolve payroll discrepanciesPartner with Finance on payroll reconciliations and reportingSupport month-end, quarter-end, and year-end payroll activitiesAssist with W-2 review and year-end payroll reconciliationEmployee SupportServe as the primary point of contact for employee payroll questionsResearch and resolve issues related to pay, deductions, taxes, direct deposits, and other payroll mattersProvide clear and timely communication to employees regarding payroll questionsMaintain confidentiality when handling sensitive employee and compensation informationEducate employees and managers on payroll processes and deadlinesHRIS & Employee DataMaintain accurate payroll-related employee data within the HRIS/payroll systemProcess employee status and compensation changesAudit employee records to ensure consistency between HR and payroll systemsMaintain payroll documentation and records in accordance with record-retention requirementsIdentify opportunities to improve payroll workflows, controls, and system utilizationAssist with payroll system implementations, upgrades, and testing as neededPayroll ComplianceSupport compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour requirementsEnsure appropriate payroll tax setup for employeesAssist with multi-state payroll administration and taxationMaintain required payroll recordsSupport payroll-related auditsStay informed of payroll regulations and identify potential compliance issuesPartner with HR leadership and payroll vendors to resolve compliance concernsPayroll ReportingPrepare recurring and ad hoc payroll reportsProvide payroll data to HR and Finance for workforce and financial reportingSupport compensation and headcount reportingAssist with payroll-related budgeting and forecasting dataTrack and report payroll trends and discrepanciesEnsure payroll reporting is accurate and delivered on scheduleHR Operations & Executive Assistant SupportAs a member of a lean HR team, the Payroll Specialist may also provide xhyhwjd support across HR operations as business needs require as well as supporting the schedule management of our CEO including:HRIS data maintenanceEmployee record administrationOnboarding and offboarding supportEmployment documentationHR reporting and auditsCompensation data administrationHR projects and process improvementsManage and coordinate the CEO's calendar and meeting scheduleSchedule and reschedule internal and external meetingsHelp prioritize scheduling requests and identify potential calendar conflictsCommunicate professionally with internal and external stakeholders on behalf of the CEO regarding schedulingQualificationsRequired2–4 years of hands-on payroll experienceExperience independently processing or supporting end-to-end payrollKnowledge of payroll practices, wage and hour requirements, and payroll taxationExperience working with payroll and/or HRIS platforms (UKG is a plus!)Strong Microsoft Excel skillsStrong analytical and problem-solving abilitiesExceptional attention to detail and accuracyAbility to manage recurring deadlines and competing prioritiesStrong written and verbal communication skillsAbility to handle confidential employee and compensation information with discretionBilingual in Korean is required