Payroll Associate

JOB FUNCTION:
Performs day-to-day payroll processing time and attendance support activities to ensure accurate, timely,

and compliant payroll operations. This role is responsible for executing established payroll and timekeeping

processes, maintaining payroll data accuracy, supporting employee payroll inquiries, and coordinating with

operational administrative personnel. The Payroll Associate operates within defined procedures and internal

controls and escalates exceptions, system issues, and non-routine items to the Payroll Supervisor or Payroll

Systems Analyst as appropriate.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Payroll Processing & Time and Attendance Support

a. Execute weekly, bi-weekly, and semi-monthly payroll processing activities in accordance with

established schedules and procedures, including entry, validation, and review of hours, earnings,

and payroll adjustments, including the application of standard deductions in accordance with

established procedures.

b. Perform time and attendance processing activities, including review and validation of time data,

leave balances, and exception reports; coordinate corrections with operational administrative

personnel and supervisors as needed.

c. Assist with preparation of payroll inputs related to bonuses, vacation payouts, leave -related

adjustments, and other non-routine payroll items in accordance with documented procedures.

d. Set up and maintain direct deposit and pay card information in accordance with established

procedures; prepare and transmit payroll-related payment files to financial institutions as

assigned, following required approvals and established deadlines.

2. Deductions, Garnishments & Compliance

a. Process payroll deductions, including benefits, retirement, uniforms, and other voluntary

programs in accordance with established procedures.

b. Assist with garnishment, levy, and child support processing, including data entry, documentation

preparation, and coordination of required information; escalate exceptions or discrepancies to

the Payroll Supervisor.

c. Process and distribute wage garnishment checks generated by the payroll system, ensuring

checks are sent to the appropriate agencies with accurate supporting information and in

accordance with established procedures and controls.

d. Support payroll-related third-party submissions (e.g., benefits or retirement vendors) and

related documentation as assigned, following established controls and approval requirements.

3. Data Accuracy, Controls & Documentation

a. Follow established payroll procedures, checklists, and internal controls to ensure payroll

accuracy and data integrity.

b. Perform assigned payroll validations and reconciliations and document results in accordance

with departmental standards.

c. Maintain payroll records, files, and documentation in compliance with record retention

requirements.

4. Employee Payroll Support

a. Respond to routine employee payroll inquiries related to pay statements, direct deposit,

deductions, and time and attendance matters; research and resolve issues within defined

authority.

b. Escalate complex payroll, timekeeping, union-related, system, or banking inquiries to the Payroll

Supervisor, Payroll Systems Analyst, HR, or Finance/Treasury as appropriate.

5. Coordination & Escalation

a. Coordinate with operational administrative personnel, supervisors, and payroll team members

to resolve time and attendance issues, missing data, and routine payroll discrepancies.

b. Escalate payroll exceptions, system issues, data inconsistencies, and processing constraints to

the Payroll Supervisor or Payroll Systems Analyst in accordance with established procedures.

6. Reporting & Support

a. Run routine reports from payroll, timekeeping, or business intelligence systems, as required.

b. Support payroll reconciliations and assist in preparation for audits by gathering documentation

and reports.

c. Perform filing and record retention activities in accordance with departmental procedures.

KEY BEHAVIORS:
1. Customer Service: Provides accurate, timely and professional payroll support to employees

and internal departments.

2. Professionalism: Maintains confidentiality, attention-to-detail, and adherence to

established procedures.

3. Continuous Improvement: Identifies opportunities to improve accuracy and efficiency within

defined processes.

4. Drive to Win: Meets deadlines, takes accountability for assigned work and follows through on

commitments.

5. Spirit of Family: Promotes teamwork, mutual respect, and collaboration across departments.

QUALIFICATIONS:
1. High school diploma required; coursework or degree in Business, Accounting, or Finance

preferred.

2. Entry-level position with 1-5 years payroll, timekeeping, or administrative experience supporting

payroll operations experience preferred.

3. Working knowledge of payroll and timekeeping systems and standard payroll reports

preferred.

4. Strong attention-to-detail and ability to follow documented procedures and internal

controls.

5. Strong Microsoft Excel and general Microsoft Office skills.

6. Ability to manage confidential information appropriately.

7. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.