Payroll Specialist

Job Description The Payroll Specialist is solely responsible for the accurate and timely processing of multi-state payroll for all employees, including both weekly and bi-weekly pay cycles. This role owns end-to-end payroll operations, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and manages all payroll-related tax reporting and filings. The Payroll Specialist serves as the primary point of contact for payroll inquiries and works closely with HR, Finance, and external agencies to maintain payroll integrity. Key Responsibilities Process full-cycle, multi-state payroll for all employees on weekly and bi-weekly schedules Review and validate timecard data, including overtime, shift premiums, weekend pay, holiday pay, and production-based incentives. Ensure accurate calculation of wages, overtime, bonuses, commissions, deductions, and garnishments Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws across multiple jurisdictions Prepare, review, and submit all payroll tax filings, including federal, state, and local taxes Reconcile payroll reports, tax liabilities, and general ledger entries Manage year-end payroll activities, including W-2 preparation, distribution, and reconciliation Administer payroll changes related to new hires, terminations, pay adjustments, and benefits deductions Respond to payroll-related inquiries from employees, management, and external agencies Maintain payroll records in accordance with record retention requirements Coordinate audits, tax notices, and agency correspondence related to payroll Support audits by providing payroll documentation and reports. Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, and documentation Required Skills/Abilities/Education Bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field preferred. Experience may be considered in lieu of degree. 5+ years of experience processing multiple state payrolls, ideally including payrolls in California and Illinois. Experience processing payroll for hourly employees with complex pay rules. Extensive knowledge of payroll laws, wage and hour compliance, and payroll tax requirements. Proficiency with payroll and timekeeping systems, ideally UKG. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, customer service and communication skills.