Payroll Specialist

Job DetailsJob Location: Ridgewells Headquarters - BETHESDA, MD 20816Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: 2 Year DegreeSalary Range: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 SalaryTravel Percentage: NoneJob Shift: DayJob Category: FinanceRidgewells Catering is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Payroll Specialist. This position plays a critical role in ensuring payroll is processed accurately, timely, and in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Payroll is much more than pushing a button to make paychecks happen. It requires auditing, reconciliation, reporting, compliance, and problem-solving to ensure employees are paid accurately and on time, every time. The successful candidate will possess exceptional organizational skills, the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities, and a commitment to consistently meeting payroll processing deadlines. RESPONSIBILITIES: Other responsibilities include, but not limited to: Prepare, audit, and process assigned payrolls under the direction of the Director of Payroll. Review and reconcile employee timecards, pay rates, including regular rate of pay calculations, earnings, deductions, taxes, garnishments, and benefit deductions to ensure payroll accuracy and compliance with federal and state wage and hour regulations. Research, analyze, and resolve payroll discrepancies prior to payroll processing. Prepare and review payroll audit reports, reconciliation reports, and overtime reports to verify payroll accuracy before payroll is processed. Verify new hire information, compensation changes, retroactive adjustments, and final pay calculations. Prepare payroll reports and reconciliations and assist with month-end, quarter-end, and year-end payroll activities. Maintain payroll records while ensuring the confidentiality and security of sensitive employee information. Respond to employee payroll inquiries in a professional, courteous, and timely manner. Maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations. Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, increase efficiency, and enhance accuracy. Performs other duties associated with the position that are reasonably assigned to support the overall needs of the business”. Qualifications Minimum of two years of payroll experience preferred. Experience processing payroll for hourly and salaried employees Strong understanding of payroll regulations and federal and state wage and hour requirements. Experience auditing payroll and identifying discrepancies prior to payroll processing. Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas, sorting, filtering, and data analysis. Experience with PivotTables and VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP is preferred. Strong mathematical aptitude and analytical skills. Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities, manage competing deadlines, and consistently meet critical payroll processing deadlines without sacrificing accuracy. Excellent organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive employee information. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills PREFERED QUALIFICATIONS Experience in hospitality, catering, restaurant, event, or food service industry. Experience processing payroll for seasonal or event-based employees. Experience with multi-state payroll processing. Experience using Paycom Payroll software. Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation is a plus. Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus but not required SCHEDULE: Full-time position Monday through Friday Standard business hours BENEFITS: Health insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Short and Long-Term Disability Life insurance Paid time off 401K Retirement Plan + Company match WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR The successful candidate is someone who understands that payroll is not simply pressing a button to complete payroll processing. They take ownership of ensuring every paycheck is accurate by reviewing reports, auditing payroll data, analyzing overtime calculations, identifying errors before payroll is finalized, and ensuring compliance with applicable payroll laws and company policies.