Payroll Specialist

Position Summary

The Payroll Specialist will be responsible for collecting and reviewing employee information and working hours, calculating wages, preparing and processing employee payments, and maintaining accurate payroll records. This position is also responsible for investigating and resolving payroll issues and ensuring strict compliance with company and regulatory standards. The Payroll Specialist reports to the Associate Director, Total Rewards.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Ensure and maintain confidentiality of all employee and payroll data.
• Work closely with HR Administrator and IT department to ensure payroll and timekeeping systems are functioning optimally.
• Review error logs and transactions to ensure system is running as required.
• Process timely and accurate payroll for all employees in accordance with the Fair Labor Standard Act, IRS Regulations and Company policies.
• Process requests for off-cycle payroll checks, stop payments and reissue of lost paychecks.
• Process all wage garnishments.
• Ensure internal controls are documented and followed; provide insight as needed to support internal control audits.
• Support and cooperate in the implementation of process improvements and optimization possibilities around payroll accounting.
• Support the benefits team with leave of absence adjustments related to deductions and time off accruals.
• Prepare and execute payroll reports to support the HR and Accounting teams with reconciliation of benefit invoices.
• Assist the Tax team with reviewing periodic, monthly, quarterly, and yearly tax payments by verifying tax reports provided by the Tax vendor as needed. Verify accurate information for processing annual W2 Statements.
• Partner with HR Business Partner, Benefits Manager, and Finance team on other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma required. Associates degree or certification in human resources, accounting, finance, or related field preferred.
• Two or more years of direct payroll processing experience.
• Experience with reputable payroll / HRIS administration systems, such as UKG/UltiPro, ADP, Paylocity or Paycor; strong knowledge of optimizing systems and automating processes.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Solid understanding of payroll processes which includes maintenance and evaluation of master data, payment run and follow up activities.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to work effectively and efficiently towards goals.
• Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft products, including Excel.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate professionalism and a service-oriented personality.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, continuous improvement focused work environment.
• Self-directed and able to investigate and propose solutions to situations.
• Strong teamwork and collaborative skills

Physical Demands

• Work is primarily sedentary and performed at a desk using a computer for extended periods of time.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, data entry, and handling documents.
• Occasional standing, walking between office areas, and attending meetings within the facility.
• Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds (e.g., files, office supplies, laptop).
• Visual acuity required for reviewing reports, data entry accuracy, and system monitoring.
• Minimal physical exertion; position may occasionally require walking through production or laboratory areas for business-related activities (appropriate PPE provided).

Work Environment

• Work is performed in a shared HR office environment, supporting a biopharmaceutical manufacturing workforce.
• The setting is professional, fast-paced, and employee-focused, emphasizing accuracy, confidentiality, and exceptional service to team members across the organization.
• The role is highly collaborative and support-oriented, with regular interaction across HR, Finance, and site operations, and visibility with senior leadership during payroll cycles, audits, and reporting discussions.
• Standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and printers are used daily.
• Noise level is typically low to moderate.
• Occasional exposure to controlled manufacturing or laboratory areas may occur when supporting site-based meetings or HR initiatives.

Target Bonus

5%

Work Location:

East Syracuse, NY