Payroll Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:

The Payroll Analyst, under the direction of the Payroll Supervisor, is responsible for analyzing, auditing, and supporting payroll operations to ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficiency. This role focuses on payroll data analysis, process improvement, and reporting, while partnering with leadership to provide insights and resolve complex payroll issues.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Analyze payroll data to identify trends, discrepancies, and opportunities for improvement
• Prepare and maintain payroll reports and metrics (e.g., payroll costs, overtime, tax variances)
• Perform variance analysis across pay periods and investigate anomalies
• Conduct payroll audits to ensure accuracy and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Review payroll tax filings, garnishments, and deductions for accuracy
• Identify and mitigate compliance risks, particularly in multi-state environments
• Evaluate payroll processes and recommend improvements to increase efficiency and reduce errors
• Participate in payroll system enhancements, implementations, and upgrades
• Develop and maintain payroll procedures and documentation
• Investigate and resolve complex payroll issues, including retroactive pay adjustments, off-cycle payments, and system discrepancies
• Escalate systemic or recurring issues and recommend solutions
• Assist in quarter and year-end processes to ensure accurate reporting.
• Assist with internal and external audits
• Assist with the preparation of payroll by working with the Payroll Supervisor to produce and issue paychecks or electronic transfers to bank accounts on a multi-pay frequency basis. Take lead in processing payroll when needed.
• Serve as subject matter expert to employees for all ADP needs related to Payroll and Time and Attendance.
• Answer questions and other requests in a timely manner for all payroll, timekeeping, and tax related matters.
• Comply with federal, state, and local legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation; enforcing adherence to requirements; advising management on needed actions.
• Maintain employee confidence and protect payroll operations by keeping information confidential.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Work with other departments within PathGroup and subsidiaries.
• Nothing in the job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & LICENSURE:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Three to five years of progressive experience is required.
• Knowledge of ADP Workforce Now and Enhanced Timekeeping strongly preferred.
• Experience in multi-state payroll environments preferred
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data analysis)