Payroll Specialist

The Payroll Specialist will run weekly and serve as backup to the Senior Payroll Specialist running semimonthly payrolls. Maintain current payroll systems and achieve alignment with the HR and Benefits system and to ensure effective support to Finance.  This position does not allow for sponsorship support or relocation assistance.

Essential Responsibilities

• Manage payroll process for weekly and semi-monthly employees from multiple locations and divisions.

• Ensure all payrolls are processed timely and accurately.

• Be a frontline to answer emails and in person any payroll related inquires.

• Partner with human resources to manage the resolution of all payroll inquires referred from the specific divisions.

• Manage special payments to employees per Company policy including education reimbursement, cell phone allowance, incentive plan payments, relocation assistance and other payments as needed.

• Familiar with tax requirements including rates in system, quarterly and annual reporting, and resolving inquiries. Complete year-end tax reporting, manage WCB reporting for a variety of provincial jurisdictions.

• Oversee all financial reporting payroll-related period end close procedures including general ledger interface and relevant account reconciliations.

• Support audits of payroll records performed by the Workers Compensation insurance company, internal and external auditors, and tax authorities.

• Create custom reports, as needed, using data stored in the payroll data base for analysis.

• Foster teamwork with the division human resources managers, employee benefits management and staff and payroll staff to improve overall processes related to paying employees. 

• Participates as a support role for developing, testing, implementing new processes/systems.

Minimum Qualifications

•    Minimum of 2 years in payroll processing for 500 plus employees.
•    Intermediate systems knowledge of payroll, human resources systems and interfaces.

Preferred Qualifications

•    Certification in Payroll and Accounting is preferred. PayrollOrg certification preferred.
•    Completion of Human Resource courses preferred.
•    Dayforce/UKG system experience preferred.
•    Oracle is preferred.

Skills, Abilities & Other Requirements

•    Intermediate Accounting experience is required.
•    Experience in payroll system implementation.
•    Working knowledge of payroll tax law and tax reporting.
•    Keeps knowledge current on payroll law and payroll technology.
•    Advanced computer skills using MS Office.
•    Working knowledge of Human Resources functions and processes; including benefit administration.
•    Strong written and verbal communication skills.
•    Ability to perform root cause analysis and drive continuous improvement.
•    Ability to prioritize work and manage complex assignments.
•    Ability to anticipate issues and take preventive/corrective action.
•    Ability to delegate effectively to meet concurrent deadlines.
•    Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
•    Strong focus on customer service.
Working & Environmental Conditions

The employee typically performs duties in a normal office environment. There will be some work in a shop environment and exposure to the elements of our shop. Additionally, there may be some work performed in the field with exposure to construction sites, active customer facilities, or test laboratories. It is the policy of Powell Industries to promote safe working conditions for ALL employees, to make available where necessary special equipment to protect employees against specific hazards, to reduce accidents through prevention programs and to establish rules that are designed for the safety of all. It is the responsibility of each employee to adhere to this policy, as well as to observe all safety practices and exercise every precaution for the safety of accidents.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel, carry or operate objects, tools or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand; talk or hear; walk; sit. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

More Information

This job description outlines the essential functions of the job and does not contain a comprehensive list of all possible responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

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