Payroll Specialist

Description We are looking for a Payroll Specialist to join an automotive organization in a contract-to-permanent capacity. This role will support accurate and timely payroll operations for a multi-state workforce while serving as a reliable resource for employee payroll questions and reporting needs. The ideal candidate brings strong payroll processing experience, a sharp eye for accuracy, and the ability to manage confidential information effectively.

Responsibilities:

• Administer weekly and special payroll runs for employees with hourly and commission-based earnings across several states.
• Enter and maintain employee payroll data, including onboarding updates, separation details, compensation changes, and organizational transfers in the payroll system.
• Review timekeeping records, deduction activity, and overtime calculations to confirm payroll accuracy before processing.
• Prepare recurring payroll reporting that summarizes earnings, taxes, deductions, leave, disability, and other wage-related information for internal stakeholders.
• Respond to employee and management inquiries related to pay, deductions, and payroll records in a timely and thorough manner.
• Reconcile payroll discrepancies by researching supporting documentation, analyzing records, and correcting issues as needed.
• Maintain payroll liabilities by tracking tax withholdings, employer obligations, garnishments, and other required deductions.
• Support compliance efforts by helping ensure payroll practices align with federal and state regulations and by assisting with internal and external audits.
• Distribute weekly, monthly, quarterly, and year-end payroll reports to department leaders and contribute to special projects that support payroll operations.
• Follow established payroll procedures and recommend reporting or process updates when operational needs change. Requirements
• Hands-on experience processing payroll, preferably in a multi-state environment with hourly and commission-based compensation.
• Working knowledge of payroll regulations, tax withholdings, deductions, and employer-paid liabilities.
• Proficiency with payroll and timekeeping platforms such as ADP, Kronos, or About Time.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including the ability to use PivotTables and VLOOKUP for payroll analysis and reporting.
• Ability to handle confidential employee and payroll information with a high degree of discretion and accuracy.
• Experience reviewing source documents, validating payroll data, and resolving discrepancies independently.
• Familiarity with accounting-related processes and exposure to functions such as accounts payable or check processing is preferred.

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