The Payroll Specialist I is responsible for payroll processing, reporting, and related activities. This position applies knowledge of federal and state regulations to ensure accurate and efficient payroll processing. The Payroll Specialist I will identify and implement systems solutions that address key business objectives, improve productivity, reduce costs, and support regulatory compliance.

1. Act as the initial contact for payroll inquiries, monitors Payroll and UKG inboxes and answers calls. Gathers information to reply to emails with effective and prompt solutions.
2. Process biweekly payroll by utilizing the payroll run sheet in compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations, ensuring both accuracy and completeness. Also processes biweekly off-cycle payrolls for all manual check issuances and ensures thorough reconciliation and documentation.
3. Monitor new hires as well as changes in employee positions, status, and terminations to maintain accurate UKG timekeeping records. Runs the UKG interface for employee demographic changes between systems.
4. Review hours recorded in UKG against those in Lawson payroll, and collaborate with HR or departmental timekeepers to address any inconsistencies.
5. Gather, validates, and enter data for employee payroll deductions (e.g., computer purchases, insurance premiums, transit benefits) to ensure accuracy and compliance.
6. Prepare manual paychecks resulting from payroll corrections or retroactive transactions by entering necessary adjustments into the payroll system, issuing paychecks, and coordinating with relevant parties regarding paycheck delivery and receipt.
7. Review and update special incentive reporting to ensure proper payment and funding source updates.
8. Process paychecks through MHC, prints hard copy checks, generates positive pay files, and post paystubs.
9. Assist with multi-state compliance and with state registrations.
10. Provide support for printing and distributing W-2 tax documents annually, ensuring compliance with recordkeeping standards.
11. Support payroll year-end tasks such as assisting with W-2 processing, verification of employee addresses for W-2 processing, and reprinting W-2’s at employees’ request.
12. Support the team with anticipated projects that affect payroll and timekeeping procedures.

EDUCATION:
• Associate’s Degree or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field is preferred.

EXPERIENCE:
• At least three years of payroll, accounting, or related business experience is required.
• Previous experience working in Kronos/UKG and Lawson preferred.