The Role:
The Lead Payroll Specialist is responsible for accurate processing of the company's payroll for all Cox Communications ("CCI") employees and provides Tier Two payroll issue resolution support to employees and HR Business Partners. The role serves as a subject matter expert for the team by providing training, guidance, and assistance on service delivery and troubleshooting to improve team performance and enhance the employee experience.
Primary responsibilities and essential functions:
- Prepares, documents, and disburses payroll checks for non-exempt hourly and exempt salaried employees; ensures all appropriate taxes, deductions, and contributions are accurately withheld and W-2s correctly issued.
- Executes time and attendance processing and interfaces with payroll; processes and inputs payroll-related transactions in accordance with internal procedures.
- Validates data entry for commissions, bonuses, tuition reimbursements, and retroactive pay for late adjustments, promotions, or reclassifications.
- Maintains earnings, deductions, employment data, and pay rate changes in Workday.
- Processes new hire tax records, PTO payouts for terminated employees, and payroll changes related to short-term disability and military leave.
- Calculates and enters Benefits (ABBR/TTBR) rates; maintains leave accrual records and updates for rehires, terms, leaves, and transfers.
- Sets up Maintain Time Reporter data in Workday for hourly and capital labor reports.
- Generates manual check requests, stop payment and reversal requests, and coordinates off-cycle check disbursements.
- Validates check counts, assures accurate payroll package distribution, and maintains auditor records for biweekly payroll mass approvals.
- Reconciles payroll prior to transmission and validates confirmed reports.
- Assists with garnishment questions and compliance and processes accurate and timely year-end reporting when necessary.
- Provides support to leaders with time entry and Workday Time and Labor delegation questions.
- Researches, resolves, and responds to escalated payroll inquiries from the HR Service Center.
- Interprets and communicates HR policies and procedures verbally and in writing using multiple communication channels.
- Utilizes case management and knowledge applications to research, document, and update tickets for payroll inquiries.
- Researches recurring inquiries, makes recommendations to improve processes, documents trends, escalates appropriately, and contributes to methods and procedures documentation.
- Assists with knowledge transfer by cross-training team members and serves as subject matter expert for HR processes and complex payroll issues.
- Updates leader on process issues or improvements.
- Maintains working knowledge of company policies, procedures, government regulations, and business ethics.
Qualifications
Minimum:
- High school Diploma/GED and 7 years' experience in a related field (i.e., Payroll, human resources, or benefits administration). The right candidate could also have a different combination, such as any level degree/certification beyond a High School Diploma/GED in a related discipline and 5 years' experience; or 9 years' experience in a related field.
- Direct payroll processing experience is a required qualification for this role.
- Experience providing service directly to customers with a strong customer experience focus.
- Strong knowledge of federal and state regulations related to payroll processing.
- Ability to work in a highly structured environment.
- Strong computer skills and ability to navigate multiple screens.
- Working knowledge of Workday, Time & Labor or experience with a major payroll system (ADP, Workday, UKG, Ceridian, Paychex, etc.).
- Ability to deal sensitively with confidential material.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Detail oriented with strong data entry accuracy.
Preferred Qualifications
- Payroll experience, preferably in a lead or senior role.
- BA/AS/AA or Technical Certification in a related discipline (i.e., Human Resources, Business, etc.).
- Ability to adapt to constant change while managing deadlines and multiple payroll cycles.
- Experience partnering cross-functionally (HR, Finance, Benefits).
- Strong Excel skills (reconciliations, audits, reporting).
USD 32.26 - 48.41 per hour
Compensation:
Hourly base pay rate is $32.26 - $48.41/hour. The hourly base rate may vary within the anticipated range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include commission (annual, monthly, etc.) and/or an incentive program.
Benefits:
Employees are eligible to receive a minimum of sixteen hours of paid time off every month and seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year. Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.
Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship. No OPT, CPT, STEM/OPT or visa sponsorship now or in future.
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What the Team is Saying
What We Do
For well over a century, Cox Enterprises has been shaping the future with daring ideas and values-driven thinking.
Since our founding in 1898, our relentless spirit of innovation has driven us to disrupt industries and enhance the quality of life in the communities we serve. Through our major divisions — Cox Communications, Cox Automotive and Cox Farms — our people have countless opportunities to grow and make an impact in the communications and automotive industries, as well as in new ventures in agriculture, cleantech, digital media and more.
As a privately-held, family-owned business, we know that people are our most valuable asset. We offer a supportive and inclusive environment with flexible career growth, amazing benefits and work-life balance at the forefront.
Our mission, our ways of working and our commitment to people are what make our workplace culture remarkably flexible and resilient. Join us to build a better future and make your mark.
Why Work With Us
At our core, Cox is a technology company that values human relationships. We know people feel most empowered when their work has meaning, when they feel respected and have opportunities to grow. “Career satisfaction” is not enough at Cox — we’re here to help you find balance, live well and achieve your career goals even as they change over time.
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Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
Every person has different working styles and preferences — and we aim to empower teams to work where they are most comfortable. Some roles require in-person work, but for those that can be performed remotely, we offer flexibility.
