Senior Payroll Specialist

Sr. Payroll Specialist

Ecovyst is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Sr. Payroll Specialist to support accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing. This role helps ensure employees are paid correctly, protects payroll data integrity, and provides responsive support to employees and business partners. The successful candidate will combine payroll expertise with strong customer service and a continuous improvement mindset, identifying technical solutions that automate work, increase efficiency, and improve accuracy.

The ideal candidate must have hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now/Workforce Manager and be able to independently navigate the systems to process payroll, review and maintain employee payroll information, and generate reports. This is a hybrid role, minimum 3 days a week out of Chesterbrook, PA.

Payroll Processing

• Prepare and process recurring payroll cycles accurately and on schedule.
• Review payroll data for accuracy and completeness prior to processing.
• Process employee payroll changes, including new hires, terminations, compensation changes, deductions, direct deposits, and other payroll-related transactions.
• Review payroll results and identify discrepancies or unusual changes requiring investigation.
• Process adjustments, corrections, and retroactive payments as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate payroll documentation and records.
• Assist with year-end payroll activities and required payroll reporting.

ADP Workforce Now Administration & Continuous Improvement

• Serve as a knowledgeable day-to-day power user of ADP Workforce Now Payroll and Workforce Manager.
• Identify innovative solutions to automate processes and other improvements that increase efficiency, drive data accuracy and reduce manual work.
• Research payroll discrepancies and system-related issues.
• Generate and analyze payroll reports to support reconciliations, audits, and business needs.
• Support testing and validation of payroll-related system changes or enhancements.

Payroll Compliance & Controls

• Support payroll processes in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and documentation.
• Assist with payroll audits, reconciliations, and internal control activities.
• Assist with tax-related payroll activities and issue resolution.
• Handle confidential employee and payroll information with discretion and integrity.

Employee & Business Support

• Respond to employee questions regarding pay, deductions, direct deposit, taxes, and other payroll-related matters.
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies in a timely, customer-focused manner. Communicate clearly with employees regarding payroll questions and resolutions.
• Partner with HR, Benefits, Finance, and managers to ensure employee changes are accurately reflected in payroll.

Reporting & Reconciliation

• Prepare recurring and ad hoc payroll reports.
• Review payroll reports to identify errors, discrepancies, and trends requiring follow-up.
• Assist with payroll-to-general-ledger reconciliations.
• Support Finance and HR with payroll information needed for audits, reporting, and analysis.
• Maintain organized payroll records and supporting documentation.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or related discipline preferred.
• Min of 8 plus years of payroll administration or payroll processing experience required.
• Hands-on experience processing payroll using ADP Workforce Now and Workforce Manager is required. Canadian payroll experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of payroll processes and practices.
• Strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to identify, research, and resolve payroll discrepancies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and payroll reporting.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and payroll deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential employee information appropriately.

• Knowledge of payroll tax requirements and wage-and-hour practices.
• Experience supporting payroll audits and year-end processing.
• Experience supporting a manufacturing, multi-location or multi-state organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) is a plus.