Payroll Specialist

The Payroll Specialist will manage payroll functions including calculating employee paychecks, withholding taxes and other deductions, as well as maintain accurate payroll records for the business, for Canadian and US entities. Partnering with the Human Resources Department to ensure information is accurate, the Payroll Specialist must be well versed regarding payroll laws and regulations including Federal and State tax laws, wage and hour laws, and employee benefit laws. They must be technically adept and able to communicate clearly and accurately with both employees and managers about payroll processes and answer questions regarding paychecks, benefits, and taxes.

·       Responsible for assisting in processing of all bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and commission payrolls as well as the processing of off-cycle, on-demand payments as needed.

·       Responsible for processing pay in compliance with all state law requirements.

·       Manages time & attendance tasks, including timesheet administration.

·       Proactively partners with Human Resources on special compensation payments, benefit administration, and similar tasks.

·       Develops and maintains payroll calendar, procedures, and processes.

·       Responsible for assisting with the implementation of changes in benefit and other deductions as required by changes in state and federal laws as well as company policy.

·       Processes and maintains employee data in the payroll system including, but not limited to, employee salary and benefits, hours worked, employee transfers and terminations, direct deposit, federal and state taxes, voluntary and involuntary deductions, compensation or commissions, employee verification, paid and unpaid leave, and earnings history.

·       Understand reporting requirements and processes to perform the tax withholding, wage garnishments and child support payments.

·       Ability to organize and establish priorities in order to meet established deadlines.

·       Ability to select information from sources such as financial and operating records and to organize information for reports.

·       Be knowledgeable of wage and hour laws.

·       Has an understanding of risks and controls. Ensure compliance with company policies by adhering to internal control requirements, maintaining updated documentation for all payroll related processes, and providing recommendations as appropriate.

·       Assures and maintains the confidentiality and completeness of all payroll files and data including their security.

·       Responds to employee inquires regarding pay calculations, withholdings and deductions, vacation/sick leave accruals, W-2 processing, and other payroll related questions.

·       Handles unemployment tasks and verifications of employment.

·       Assist in various special projects as they arise. Projects may involve the implementation of new or upgraded systems, creation of new policies, audits, ad hoc reporting etc.

Ensure the timely creation of payroll related journal entries, perform account reconciliations of key payroll accounts, and support accounting in month, quarter and year end close activities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

·       Strong oral and written communication skills 

·       Effective time management and multi-tasking skills 

·       Maintains the ability to stay organized and be detail-oriented 

·       Demonstrates a passion for solving problems or helping others and take the initiative in driving continuous improvement/execution excellence

·       Exceptional organizational skills, including the ability to self-manage and multi-task effectively and accurately in a fast-paced and dynamic environment

·       Must adapt to a dynamic, rapidly changing business environment

·       Able to work independently, and collaborate as part of a team

·       Highly motivated self-starter and intellectually curious with a tendency towards action

·       Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality

·       Ability to gather intelligence regarding specific products and services and interpret it for the purpose of business decisions

·       Proficiency in technology and automation of processes

Experience: 

·       Bachelor's Degree in Business, accounting, finance or equivalent experience

·       Minimum 2-3 years of progressive payroll related experience

·       Experience with Paylocity preferred

·       Experience in multi-site/dispersed employee base

·       Experience using HRIS and benefits administration systems

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:  

·       None