Payroll Specialist

Summary Of Position

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of bi-weekly payroll while supporting HRIS administration and payroll compliance activities. This role serves as the primary point of contact for payroll processing, audits, reporting, and system administration within Dayforce. The Payroll Specialist will help drive payroll accuracy, process efficiency, data integrity, and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

Essential Functions

• Process end-to-end bi-weekly payroll for multi-state employees accurately and on schedule.
• Review, audit, and validate payroll data including earnings, deductions, taxes, time records, garnishments, and adjustments.
• Prepare payroll audits, reconciliations, and reporting to ensure payroll accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain payroll records and support payroll-related reporting for Finance, HR, and leadership teams.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for Dayforce Payroll, including payroll processes, system functionality, and pay policies.
• Support HRIS administration including system maintenance, workflows, reporting, troubleshooting, and data integrity.
• Process and maintain garnishments, tax levies, and other payroll-related transactions.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, payroll tax regulations, and company policies.
• Prepare and support required year-end and compliance filings including W-2s, ACA reporting, and other payroll-related documentation.
• Identify opportunities for payroll process improvements, automation, and system optimization.
• Respond to employee and manager questions regarding payroll, deductions, taxes, and benefits-related payroll items.
• Partner with HR, Finance, and Accounting teams to support payroll operations and reporting needs.
• Support audits and provide documentation as requested.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

Required Skills

• Education & Experience: High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field preferred. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred. Minimum of 5–6 years of payroll processing experience, including multi-state payroll administration. Previous experience processing payroll in Dayforce (Ceridian) preferred; strong HRIS experience required.
• Knowledge: Knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations, wage and hour laws, garnishments, and payroll tax requirements. Experience with payroll audits, reconciliations, and reporting. Previous SAP experience preferred.
• Skills: Strong analytical, problem-solving, and reporting skills with advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency. Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills. Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work on assignments where all tasks are not completely mapped.
• High levels of professionalism.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to think independently and problem solve.