Payroll & Cost Controller

Role Purpose

The HR Operations, Payroll & Cost Control Specialist administers and controls activities relating to company payroll, benefits, HRIS, and personnel cost reporting. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring, and controlling payroll and HR operational processes, including internal audit and control procedures to ensure accuracy of wages, taxes, benefits, and personnel costs.

The position serves as the subject matter expert for payroll, benefits, HRIS administration, and personnel cost controlling, supporting HR governance, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and compliance across the U.S./Americas organization.

Key Responsibilities

PAYROLL

• Responsible for the preparation and processing of multiple payrolls on a biweekly and weekly basis; review and ensure accuracy of approved timesheets; track and deduct all garnishments and other special payroll deductions.
• Manage workflow to ensure all payroll transactions are processed accurately and timely.
• Review and ensure accuracy of payroll entries, earnings, deductions, and hours for payment.
• Coordinate between Payroll and Human Resources to ensure proper maintenance of employee data.
• Understand and apply taxation of employer-provided benefits.
• Process manual checks when required.
• Maintain import/export files between ERP LN, CERIDIAN DAYFORCE, and timekeeping systems.
• Manage and maintain CERIDIAN DAYFORCE mapping files.
• Administer the electronic timekeeping system, including new hires and terminations.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulatory agencies.
• Ensure compliance with union labor agreements.
• Research, resolve, and communicate payroll and/or transmission issues to appropriate audiences.
• Respond to employee questions and concerns regarding payroll.
• Develop ad hoc payroll, financial, and operational reporting as needed.
• Provide full support to the Finance team during the monthly close process.
• Ensure compliance with internal GRIP and DOA requirements related to payroll.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the HR Director – Americas.

BENEFITS

• Administer all employee benefit programs, including enrollments and terminations.
• Coordinate and conduct new employee onboarding and present benefits information to ensure understanding of plans and enrollment provisions.
• Fulfill all governmental regulatory mandates and ensure required filings are completed accurately and on time.
• Plan and administer the annual open enrollment process, including preparation of materials, employee communications, and system updates.
• Plan, conduct, and report audit results to ensure enrollment and dependent data accuracy; partner with Accounting for quarterly and year-end audits (payroll, workers’ compensation, 401(k)).
• Address benefit inquiries to ensure timely and accurate resolution and effective utilization of benefits.
• Process and review monthly benefit billings for accuracy; approve for payment and resolve discrepancies with carriers and payroll.
• Coordinate with third-party administrators to manage disability claims.
• Administer COBRA enrollments and manage unemployment and workers’ compensation cases.

HR COST CONTROL, GOVERNANCE & REPORTING

• Support HR Governance and Reporting activities for all Americas locations.
• Develop and manage quarterly and annual personnel cost plans, including budgeting, forecasting scenarios, and actuals, in collaboration with local and central HR.
• Monitor personnel cost budgets and forecasts; analyze variances and communicate impacts to line managers and HR leadership.
• Build, maintain, and enhance a dynamic database to track and analyze key monthly personnel figures, costs, KPIs, and statistics.
• Create, analyze, and report monthly personnel cost data; review deviations versus plan with the HR Director and central HR.
• Support preparation of monthly HR reporting, including forecast updates and ad hoc analyses.
• Participate in monthly and annual payroll and financial statement activities related to personnel costs.
• Ensure accurate allocation and reconciliation of payroll and benefit costs in coordination with Finance.
• Support internal and external audits related to payroll, benefits, and personnel cost controls.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and cost optimization while maintaining compliance and service quality.

Qualifications

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Controlling, Human Resources, or comparable qualification.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience administering payroll, HRIS, benefits, and/or personnel cost controlling.
• Experience processing complex payrolls, including union labor agreements.
• Sound knowledge of benefits, contributions, tax obligations, labor law, and HR compliance requirements.
• Basic knowledge of balance sheet and P&L concepts preferred.
• Strong knowledge of payroll systems, HRIS, time & attendance systems, and MS Office applications (especially Excel).
• Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to create clear, actionable reports from data.
• High level of interpersonal skills and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and multitasking abilities.
• Strong attention to detail with a problem-solving mindset.
• Ability to respond quickly and accurately to data requests while providing excellent internal customer service.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

Key Internal Relationships

Finance, Human Resources, Operations, Line Managers, Internal Auditors

Key External Relationships

Financial Institutions, Payroll Providers, Benefits Providers, External Auditors

Number of Direct Reports

0

Leadership Success Profile

Individual Contributor / Subject Matter Expert

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person