Hybrid Payroll Specialist

The Staffing Group - Newburyport, MA

Full-time - Entry Level

Remote - Newburyport, MA

Administrative and Support Services

About the position

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for processing bi-weekly payroll accurately and on schedule, acting as the primary contact with third-party payroll providers. This role involves managing employee time worked, verifying deductions, auditing payroll reports, and ensuring compliance with payroll policies and regulations. The position also includes year-end payroll tasks and providing backup support for the purchasing department.

Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly payroll accurately and on schedule.
• Act as primary contact with third-party payroll providers.
• Manage and reconcile all employee time worked and other pay, including deductions.
• Verify all employee deductions for each payroll, including taxes and benefits.
• Audit, analyze, and reconcile multiple payroll reports before finalizing payroll.
• Manage the creation and adjustment of payroll pay and benefit codes alongside ADP.
• Handle year-end payroll tasks, including approval of annual W-2s.
• Act as primary backup for the Purchasing department.
• Manage new state jurisdiction registration and work with CPA for approval.
• Keep up to date with changing payroll policies and regulations via ADP notifications.
• Prepare manual payroll checks for payroll errors or terminations.
• Work with ADP for quarterly tax adjustments.
• Reconcile monthly health, dental, disability, and life insurance bills to payroll deductions.
• Prepare journal entries on a biweekly basis and provide month-end entry spreadsheet to accounting.
• Create and audit payroll and headcount reports for external auditors.
• Prepare documentation for annual workers compensation audit and act as primary contact for auditors.
• Liaise with supervisors to resolve discrepancies in time punches and absences.
• Assist in various ad-hoc payroll projects as directed by management.

Requirements

• Associate's degree required in business, human resources, or similar field.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum 3-5 years of hands-on experience processing payroll.
• Minimum 3 years experience with ADP payroll system or comparable automated payroll system.
• Minimum 1-year experience with Epicor Accounting system preferred.
• Expert-level knowledge and proficiency in MS Office: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with all levels of staff.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment with minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with Epicor Accounting system (purchasing department support) strongly preferred.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Life insurance