Payroll Specialist

$54,080 - $60,320/Yr

Workforce Management - Newburyport, MA

Full-time - Entry Level

Newburyport, MA

Administration of Human Resource Programs

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 all accounting activities related to wages and benefits, ensuring compliance with payroll policies and government regulations, and providing backup support for purchasing tasks. The position is a contract role lasting 3-6 months, requiring attention to detail and accuracy in handling sensitive payroll information.

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.
• Manage new state jurisdiction registration and work with CPA for final approval.
• Stay updated with changing payroll policies and government regulations via ADP notifications.
• Prepare manual payroll checks for payroll errors and 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 external auditor.
• Liaise with supervisors to resolve discrepancies in employee time records.
• 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

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance