Payroll Specialist

Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. Join our global team to grow your expertise and develop innovative solutions that enable a prosperous and more sustainable society. About the role The Payroll Specialist is responsible for supporting accurate and compliant payroll operations using ADP for payroll processing, covering approximately 930 employees with administrative support for a broader population of up to 1,300 employees. This role plays a key part in certified payroll reporting under the Davis-Bacon Act and provides administrative and backup support for union payroll activities. The position focuses on payroll accuracy, compliance, reporting, and cross-functional coordination, rather than direct ownership of union payroll processing. Payroll Processing & Administration (ADP) Process bi-weekly and off-cycle payrolls in ADP, ensuring accurate calculation of earnings, taxes, deductions, and garnishments. Review and validate payroll inputs originating from Workday (HRIS), including new hires, job changes, compensation updates, and terminations. Reconcile payroll data between Workday and ADP to ensure data integrity and alignment across systems. Perform payroll audits, balancing (gross-to-net), and variance analysis prior to payroll submission. Process adjustments, retroactive pay, and final pay calculations in compliance with company policy and applicable laws. Provide responsive, professional support for employee and manager payroll inquiries. Certified Payroll Reporting (Davis-Bacon Act) Prepare and submit certified payroll reports (e.g., WH-347) for projects subject to Davis-Bacon and prevailing wage requirements. Collect and validate required data, including: Labor classifications Prevailing wage rates and fringe allocations Hours worked by project and location Ensure all reporting is accurate, complete, and submitted in accordance with contract and regulatory deadlines. Partner with Project Managers, Finance, and HR to ensure correct labor coding and project setup. Maintain documentation and support internal and external audits related to certified payroll compliance. Identify and resolve discrepancies in payroll data impacting certified payroll reporting (note: this role does not process the payroll itself for certified projects). Union Payroll Support (Administrative & Backup) Serve as backup support to the primary union payroll processor. Assist with union reporting and administrative tasks, including: Union dues reconciliation Benefit and pension contribution reporting Remittance preparation and review Support validation of union-related payroll data and escalate discrepancies as needed. Stay informed of union contract changes and assist in ensuring updates are reflected in payroll processes and reporting. Compliance, Controls & Process Improvement Ensure payroll operations comply with federal, state, and local wage and hour regulations. Maintain accurate payroll records and audit trails for compliance and internal controls. Support payroll-related audits, including certified payroll and union reporting reviews. Required Qualifications CPP Certified 5+ years of payroll experience Experience processing multi-jurisdiction payroll Experience using ADP payroll systems Knowledge of certified payroll reporting, specifically Davis-Bacon Act requirements. Basic understanding of union payroll structures and reporting requirements. Strong Excel skills (data analysis, reconciliation, lookups). What we offer you 15 days of paid time off and 12 company-paid holidays 401k plan with a 6% match Comprehensive health plan including medical, dental, vision, Life, short-term & long-term disability Motivating wellness program Employee Assistance Program Paid paternal leave Gym re-imbursement Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment. We are proud to be recognized as a Top Employer 2026 in Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Switzerland, South Africa, the UK and the USA. Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. By supporting water and energy security, enabling the energy transition and driving the use of circular technologies, we help our customers build a better world. With more than 13'000 employees and 160 world-class production facilities and service centers across the globe, we are a globally diverse team. We value the uniqueness of all our colleagues, and we appreciate the contributions that each of us makes to the company's success. We prioritize your health and safety and are committed to offering a work environment in which you can thrive. Join our team now to grow your expertise and develop solutions that truly make a difference! Are you interested in other oppportunities at Sulzer? Feel free to introduce yourself to our team