Payroll Specialist Job Descriptions, Average Salary, Interview Questions

New payroll specialist needed to work at [Your Company Name] in a full-time position. The payroll specialist will be responsible for managing and maintaining payroll for employees, as well as maintaining employee and salary databases. The ideal candidate may be required to take on a managerial position in the future, as well as manage certain aspects of the overall company budget. A degree is not required, but knowledge of accounting is extremely beneficial. If you are data-driven and scientific-minded, this position could be for you. It is required that you have a comprehensive understanding of tax laws and wage policies for local businesses. If you are interested in this position, please consider applying! Thank you for your interest.

Typical duties and responsibilities

• Prepare and submit paper payroll checks for employees
• Collect banking information for direct deposit setup and initiate deposits on paydays
• Have a knowledge of and keep current with the taxation of salaries, benefits, and other factors
• Process and monitor garnishment orders and other issues that impact payroll specifications
• Maintain and document all payroll records
• Reconcile the general ledger regarding payroll transactions
• Detect and process issues with uncollected payroll
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll issues or concerns

Education and experience

This position requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.

Required skills and qualifications

• Several years of experience in payroll
• Strong organizational and mathematical skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding financial matters
• Excellent knowledge of word processing tools and spreadsheets
• Great attention to detail
• Excellent mathematical skills

Preferred qualifications

• Experience managing payroll for a company with 20+ employees
• Bachelor’s degree in finance or related field
• Knowledge of local and state tax laws
• Accounting certification
• 2+ years working in payroll
• Excellent written skills
• Self-motivated

We are currently seeking a Payroll Specialist to be responsible for processing payroll information, reviewing and performing payroll audits, and serving as a point of contact for questions about payment policies and procedures.

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Processes regular payroll information on a weekly basis, as well as bonuses and off-cycle checks when necessary
• Performs weekly overtime audits
• Keeps abreast of the payroll processing system and changes in wage/tax laws, and applies changes as appropriate
• Prepares follow-up for Stop Payment requests, manual check requests, and associated system updates
• Responds to questions regarding pay policies/procedures
• Establishes and maintains a positive working relationship with customers, both internal and external

Minimum requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent required
• 2-4 years of payroll processing experience, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience, preferred
• Should be familiar with payroll software and payroll reports
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel
• Excellent listening, written, and oral communication, organizational, and time-management skills

We’re looking for a Payroll Specialist to join our team! Full-time position working an 8-hour shift between the hours of 7 am – 6 pm M-F. The hybrid schedule can be discussed with management. Laptop provided.

Essential responsibilities

• Preparing and processing multiple payrolls
• Assist in data entry of new hires
• Process all terminated employees and calculate manual checks
• Research employee payroll inquiries or answers questions through the ticketing system
• Assist with annual merits, increases, special, and retroactive calculations
• Assist with other special projects as required
• Assist in the review of bi-weekly and special payrolls
• Processing Wage Garnishments and Child Support requests
• Organizing Payroll Storage and documentation

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 to 2 years experience with high-volume Payroll
• Accounting and Human Resource experience a plus
• Processed payroll for at least 100+ employees
• Familiar with ADP Workforce Now and Time & Attendance
• Working knowledge of wage & hours laws
• Familiar with state & federal taxes
• Great energy, engaging, and enjoys collaborating with the team
• Experience in administration of any Time & Attendance system
• Great follow-through skills, and good with math and logic
• Great customer service mindset
• Attention to detail and analytical skills
• Organizational skills
• Flexibility and ability to multitask
• Ability to communicate in written form

Knowledge, skills, & abilities

• Basic office skills and abilities, knowledge of standard office equipment and software including Google Docs, Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, PowerPoint, and ability and willingness to learn new and/or proprietary applications as required
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments under high pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to work overtime if needed
• Understanding details of full payroll processes

The Payroll Specialist administers the 403(b) contribution and loan processes, prepares invoices for payment, and processes Foundation contributions, garnishments, and employee expense reimbursements. This role administers timecards, payroll, and payroll reporting, and ensures that payroll reports are: downloaded, secured, and backed up on the company’s network. In addition, the Payroll Specialist creates custom reports as needed from HRIS systems.

Essential functions

• Compile payroll data, process and transmit payroll for all Wesley companies in an accurate, timely manner in accordance with established payroll processing calendars, and state and federal regulations. Assist managers, timekeepers, and schedulers with systems to ensure accurate time accounting for all employees
• Communicate with Ceridian and other timekeeping and payroll system vendors to enable accurate, timely processing of payroll
• Administer 403B contribution, loan payment, and electronic funds transfer on a weekly basis in compliance with the plan design and federal regulations
• Administer electronic deposits and cash funding reports for payroll. Ensure payroll reports are downloaded and data is securely and confidentially maintained
• Extract payroll data and import it into companies after each payroll is processed
• Enter and extract data from multiple HR Systems for reporting, compliance, and metrics purposes
• Provide administrative support by processing payroll-related expenses and reimbursements, responding to requests for verification of employment
• Stay abreast of Payroll compliance issues and Payroll system upgrades via continuing professional development
• Generate, complete and process quarterly Worker’s Comp filings with the state
• Handle special projects and perform other duties as assigned

Education

• Accounting-related associate’s degree or equivalent work experience

Work experience

• Two years of electronic payroll processing experience preferred
• Superior written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Advanced MS Office skills (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Professional, organized, detail-oriented, and customer service oriented
• Ability to appropriately handle confidential information and maintain confidence