Payroll Specialist

About the role

At Nicolet National Bank, our culture is based on the principles of community banking, putting the needs of our customers at the forefront of our decision-making. Our Core Values drive everything we do, and we are committed to serving our customers with excellence. We believe that every job in our organization is critical to our success, and we are dedicated to creating a work environment where our employees feel valued, respected, and supported.

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for accurately processing payroll-related transactions and supporting day-to-day payroll administration for a 1,600+ employee organization. This role follows established payroll procedures and internal controls, assists with payroll records, deductions, reporting, reconciliations, employee questions, and timecard issues, and escalates complex or unusual matters to the Payroll Manager.

Responsibilities

• Assist in processing assigned payroll transactions accurately and timely in accordance with established procedures, internal controls, and applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
• Review payroll coding, earnings, deductions, garnishments, direct deposits, tax information, and other payroll-related data as assigned.
• Research payroll discrepancies, timecard issues, employee questions, and routine payroll matters; resolves items within established authority and escalates complex issues to the Payroll Manager.
• Prepare, review, and distribute assigned payroll reports to support payroll processing, reconciliations, audits, compliance requests, and operational needs.
• Assist employees, supervisors, and leaders with routine payroll questions, timecard corrections, payroll forms, and payroll-related follow-up.
• Provide user support and guidance on payroll, HRIS, and timekeeping processes in accordance with established procedures.
• Process assigned payroll-related HRIS transactions, including new hires, status changes, terminations, and other payroll-impacting changes.
• Support accurate payroll-related benefit deductions and assists with routine employee questions regarding benefit deductions and payroll impacts.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling employee payroll, benefits, and human resources information.
• Assist with communicating payroll, tax, benefit, and HR process updates as directed.
• Generate assigned ad hoc and operational reports from payroll systems for managers, audits, reconciliations, and compliance reporting support.
• Follow documented payroll procedures, internal controls, and standard work to support accuracy, compliance, efficiency, audit readiness, and business continuity.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes and brings recommendations or concerns to the Payroll Manager.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Human Resources, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred.
• 3+ years of payroll administration experience, including payroll processing, payroll data entry, reporting, reconciliations, issue research, and employee support.
• Experience with Paycor HRIS system preferred.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound judgment with sensitive employee and organizational information.
• Working knowledge of payroll processing, payroll taxation, wage and hour considerations, garnishments, payroll deductions, reconciliations, and payroll compliance requirements.
• Working knowledge of benefit programs, benefit deductions, and the payroll impact of benefit elections and changes.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, organization, follow-through, analytical, reconciliation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to follow established procedures, meet recurring deadlines, manage competing priorities, and escalate issues appropriately.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to explain routine payroll matters clearly to employees, supervisors, leaders, and business partners.
• Self-motivated and resourceful with a continuous improvement mindset and willingness to support process improvements under the direction of the Payroll Manager.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance
• 401(k) with a company match
• PTO & 11 1/2 Paid Holidays