Payroll Specialist

CSM Companies, Inc., located in Madison, WI, is seeking a talented individual for the Payroll Specialist position. This role suits those who enjoy a busy, professional environment.

About the role

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for processing accurate and timely payroll for approximately 1,000+ employees across multiple states. This role supports weekly payroll processing for bi-weekly North and South pay cycles, ensuring compliance with wage and hour laws, benefits deductions, and internal controls. The Payroll Specialist serves as the primary point of contact for payroll-related inquiries and partners closely with Operations, Accounting, and Human Resources.

Responsibilities

• Manage and process bi-weekly payrolls for hourly, salaried and commissioned employees.
• Review and validate timecards, overtime, commission and pay differentials.
• Process off-cycle payrolls, bonuses, commissions, and final pay.
• Ensure payroll deadlines and cutoff schedules are met.
• Ensure proper audit systems are in place to account for accurate pay and benefit changes.

Duties

• Process payroll changes including, but not limited to, new hires, terminations, internal transfers, garnishments, manual checks, leave requests, various payroll deductions, etc.
• Process garnishments, tax levies, and child support orders.
• Ensure compliance with and follow controls to achieve an error-free payroll and detect any discrepancies before they appear on an employee’s check or impact payroll.
• Generate a variety of routine reports relating to payroll, time, paid leave, etc.
• Manage and maintain payments for employee cash reimbursements and expense reports for credit card reconciliation.
• Evaluate process and reporting improvements as needed.
• Problem solve and respond to employee’s payroll questions.
• Assist with W-2 questions and corrections.
• Prepare payroll, headcount, overtime, and turnover reports.
• Partner with Operations on timekeeping accuracy.
• Escalate payroll issues and risks to leadership.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
• Other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Business or related field; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Five years of applicable experience managing the payroll process; multi-state experience preferred.
• Experience processing payroll for 500+ employees preferred.
• Strong knowledge of wage & hour laws.
• Experience with complex pay cycles and variable compensation.
• Proficiency with HRIS/payroll systems (ADP, UKG, Paycom, Paylocity, etc.).
• High attention to detail and confidentiality.
• Excellent proficiency in MS Office (solid Excel skills required).
• Ability to organize and priorit