Payroll Specialist (Full-Time)

Location: Tucson, AZ (Corporate / Campus Operations) | On-Site Type: Full-Time | FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Compensation: $25.62 – $32.03 per hour Position Summary A Day in the Life of a Payroll Specialist: Looking for a payroll role where your expertise truly matters? As our Payroll Specialist, you’ll leverage UKG Payroll/HR software to streamline processes, ensure multi-state compliance, and make a direct impact—all while growing your skills in a collaborative, employee-owned environment. Enjoy long-term stability, professional development, and the satisfaction of ensuring our faculty, staff, and leadership are paid accurately and on time! Key Responsibilities Payroll Processing & Multi-State Compliance: Core Processing: Ensure accurate, multi-state payroll processing using UKG Payroll/HR software; transmit and receive payroll files while maintaining peak data integrity. Taxation & Compliance: Review and set up state tax items, process payroll tax amendments, and maintain active knowledge of local, state, and federal payroll laws. Deductions & Verifications: Complete employment verifications and manage wage garnishments, child support orders, tax levies, and other mandatory payroll deductions. Audit, General Ledger & Reporting Data Audits: Conduct thorough audits of employee time cards, payroll accounts, and miscellaneous deduction accounts. GL & Financials: Audit, balance, and process General Ledger (GL) payroll files and financial reporting; assist external teams with annual audit preparations. Management Reports: Generate, analyze, and submit recurring and ad-hoc payroll reports to campus leadership and regulatory agencies. System Configuration & Process Improvement UKG Maintenance: Configure and maintain timesheets, pay groups, earning/deduction codes, and employee status updates within the HRIS platform. Pay Structures: Research, build, and maintain complex pay structures and tax configurations to support diverse campus setups. Efficiency Improvements: Identify and implement continuous process improvements to boost overall payroll efficiency and workflows. Employee Support & Team Collaboration Customer Service: Address employee and faculty inquiries regarding pay stubs, tax withholdings, deductions, and Paid Time Off (PTO) balances. Cross-Functional Partnering: Collaborate closely with HR, Accounting, and Campus Operations to ensure consistent and synchronized employee data. Qualifications Minimum Requirements: Experience: Minimum of four (4) years of hands-on experience in payroll, human resources, and high-level customer service. Software Proficiency: Hands-on experience with UKG (Ultimate/Kronos) or equivalent enterprise HRIS/Payroll platforms; advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Technical Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of payroll taxation, wage garnishments, state-by-state compliance, and general ledger operations. Data Integrity: Demonstrated track record of handling sensitive employee data with strict confidentiality and discretion. Communication: Clear, professional verbal and written communication skills across all organizational levels. Equivalent Education/Experience: Any equivalent combination of training, education, or experience that satisfies the minimum requirements will be considered. Compensation & Employee-Owner Benefits Hiring Range: $25.62 to $32.03 per hour. Ownership: Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)—become a direct stakeholder in our 100% employee-owned company. Retirement: 401(k) Plan with employer matching contributions. Health & Wellness: Comprehensive Medical (PPO & 2 HDHP with HSA options), Dental, and Vision coverage, plus a Health & Wellness Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Income Protection: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), and company-paid Basic Life Insurance. Time Off & Growth: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Company Holidays, and Tuition Reimbursement.