Specialist, Payroll

Job Summary

The Payroll Specialist plays a critical role in managing day-to-day payroll operations and ensuring the accuracy of payroll systems. This position is responsible for processing end-to-end, multi-state bi-weekly payrolls, maintaining team member records, and ensuring timely and accurate pay for all Southwire team members. The specialist ensures full compliance with federal and state regulations, tax requirements, and reporting deadlines. Success in this role requires strong collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, a customer-focused mindset, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. The ideal candidate is organized, adaptable, and proactive in resolving issues and improving processes. A strong technology mindset is essential, including the ability to navigate and optimize payroll platforms, leverage data for insights, and contribute to system enhancements that drive efficiency and accuracy.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform daily payroll department operations; payroll set up, maintain team member records, research issues, manual checks
• Process high-volume, multi-state payrolls timely and accurately while ensuring compliance with Southwire policies, federal and state laws
• Collaborate cross functionally to resolve payroll-related issues and ensure smooth operations
• Manage workflows to ensure all payroll transactions are processed accurately and timely. Ensure data integrity between HRIS and Payroll systems through systematic audits
• Load and import files to payroll system. Reconcile payroll prior to transmission and validate confirmed reports
• Ensure compliance with tax (federal, state and local), garnishment and support order withholding. Ensure compliance with federal and state laws, including government reporting
• Establish and update procedure documentation for all payroll processes
• As needed reporting for government compliance, business needs and audits
• Participate in year-end processes to ensure accurate reporting of payroll data (W-2, W-2c, etc.)
• Other duties as assigned including Analyze data, reports and processes for issues, develop training material and train team members and management on payroll and time system

Required Education & Experience

Minimum Education Level: High School Diploma
Years of Experience: 5+ years

Preferred Education & Experience

Specialized Degree: Accounting, Finance, Human Resources (preferred) or equivalent experience
Certificates: Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation
Years of Experience: 8+ years
Preferred Field of Expertise: Payroll and/or Human Resources

Certificates: Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation
Years of Experience: 8+ years
Preferred Field of Expertise: Payroll and/or Human Resources

Other Preferred Skills, Licenses, & Certificates:    

5+ years of previous Payroll and/or Human Resources experience (preferred)
Must be able to communicate effectively and have strong interpersonal skills
Accurate and detailed oriented with strong analytical skills
Experience with automated Time and Attendance, Payroll and HRIS systems
Must have strong advanced skills in software applications related to Payroll, Accounting and HR systems including Excel (Vlookups, Pivot tables)
Strong knowledge of federal and state regulations
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Ability to organize work and show flexibility in meeting tight and recurring deadlines
Must be able to handle sensitive and confidential information in a discrete and professional manner
International payroll experience a plus Bilingual a plus

Spans of Control

Reports To (Supervisor Title): Manager, Financial Services
Does this role Manage Southwire Team Members: No

Travel

No Travel

Hybrid (2-3 days a week On Site)

Physical Requirements

☒Standing % 10
☒Sitting  % 80
☒Walking  % 10

Working Conditions

Office 

Equipment

Computer

Keyboard

Competencies

Skills