Payroll Specialist

About the role

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of biweekly payroll for 1,000+ employees across multiple U.S. states and Canadian provinces. This role supports the efficient operation of the Human Resources and Finance functions by managing end-to-end payroll processing, maintaining employee payroll records, reviewing and reconciling timesheets, and ensuring compliance with U.S. and Canadian wage-and-hour regulations.

Responsibilities

• Process biweekly payroll for 1,000+ employees across multiple U.S. states and Canadian provinces
• Administer payroll in compliance with U.S. federal, state, and local wage and hour laws and Canadian federal and provincial payroll regulations
• Partner with managers to review, reconcile, and approve employee timesheets before each payroll run by resolving missing punches, exceptions, approvals, and discrepancies to ensure accuracy
• Accurately calculate wages, overtime, bonuses, commissions, retro pay, and payroll adjustments
• Maintain accurate payroll and HR records by updating employee data, including new hires, terminations, transfers, position changes, and pay rate changes
• Process end-to-end payroll transactions, including regular and off-cycle payrolls, benefit deductions, garnishments, direct deposits, bonuses, retro pay, and annual entitlement cash-outs
• Process 401(k) contributions and loan transactions, and perform regular payroll and benefits reconciliations
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee payroll inquiries, resolving issues promptly, accurately, and professionally
• Act as the Dayforce subject matter expert (SME) supporting payroll and workforce management (WFM) modules, including system upgrades, implementations, and continuous process improvements
• Train and support managers on payroll policies, timekeeping practices, and proper use of the Dayforce system, ensuring consistent application of procedures and timely approvals
• Handle payroll-related quarterly and annual reporting, including internal reconciliations and support for workers’ compensation (WC), 401(k) audits, and financial reporting requirements
• Prepare and process year-end payroll activities, including W‑2s, T4s, and related filings
• Perform additional tasks as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training
• 4 years or more of experience in payroll administration
• Experience in processing Canadian payroll is strongly preferred
• Proficient in the Dayforce platform, and Microsoft Outlook, Word & Excel programs

Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws, including multi-state payroll compliance; familiarity with California wage and hour regulations strongly preferred
• Understanding of prevailing wage laws and regulations
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience with Dayforce, including Payroll and Workforce Management (WFM) modules
• Ability to process automated payrolls accurately and efficiently in a high-volume environment
• Demonstrated experience maintaining high accuracy and attention to detail in payroll processing, data entry, and record-keeping
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgment and resolve payroll issues independently
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to meet strict payroll deadlines
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with employees, managers, and all levels of leadership
• Proven interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment
• Strong work ethic, accountability, and commitment to accuracy and compliance
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus

Skills

• Strong working knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws, including multi-state payroll compliance; familiarity with California wage and hour regulations strongly preferred
• Understanding of prevailing wage laws and regulations
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience with Dayforce, including Payroll and Workforce Management (WFM) modules
• Ability to process automated payrolls accurately and efficiently in a high-volume environment
• Demonstrated experience maintaining high accuracy and attention to detail in payroll processing, data entry, and record-keeping
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgment and resolve payroll issues independently
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to meet strict payroll deadlines
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with employees, managers, and all levels of leadership
• Proven interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment
• Strong work ethic, accountability, and commitment to accuracy and compliance
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus

Benefits

*Wismettac offers competitive benefits, which include:

• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life & accident insurance
• Pet Insurance
• 401(k) with company matching
• 19 days of paid time off
• Wellness program and EAP assistance
• and much more!

Most benefits require employee contribution