Payroll Specialist

Job Title: Payroll Specialist

Salary: Starting at $60,000
Department: Corporate
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Corporate Office

Position Summary:
The Payroll Specialist oversees all aspects of payroll administration to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements. This position manages the full payroll process, maintains employee records, coordinates with HR and accounting teams, and provides excellent service to employees regarding payroll inquiries. The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, and experienced in payroll operations, with preferred knowledge of general accounting and accounts payable processes.

Key Responsibilities
Payroll Administration

• Manage and process bi-weekly payroll for all employees, ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable laws.

• Review and verify employee timesheets, PTO accruals, wage adjustments, and deductions.

• Maintain accurate payroll records and ensure data integrity within the payroll system.

• Coordinate with HR to ensure new hires, terminations, and pay changes are processed on time.

• Manage payroll taxes, garnishments, and benefit deductions in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.

• Prepare and reconcile payroll reports and end-of-period adjustments.

• Oversee annual reporting, including W-2s and other year-end payroll requirements.

• Respond to employee questions regarding pay, deductions, and timekeeping with professionalism and confidentiality.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure payroll operations comply with FLSA, IRS, and state wage and hour regulations.

• Maintain documentation and internal controls to support audits and compliance reviews.

• Prepare and distribute accurate payroll reports for management, accounting, and HR.

• Support external audits, year-end reconciliations, and process improvement initiatives.

Process Improvement & Leadership

• Develop and maintain efficient payroll procedures to ensure timely, accurate processing.

• Collaborate with HR and Accounting to streamline communication and reporting workflows.

• Train and support payroll and accounting staff on payroll-related functions.

• Identify and implement process improvements or automation opportunities.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of hands-on payroll processing experience required.

• Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and wage and hour compliance.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, formulas, and data analysis.

• Proficient in ADP payroll systems.

• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and confidentiality.

• Excellent communication, organizational, and time management skills.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with Accounts Payable (AP) or general accounting functions.

• Familiarity with Yardi or other real estate accounting systems.

• Knowledge of 1099 and W-2 reporting requirements.

• Background in property management or multi-site operations.

• Proven ability to support process improvements across payroll and accounting functions.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Occasional lifting of up to 15 pounds for files or office materials.