Payroll Specialist | FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME

About the role

We are seeking a dedicated and dependable Payroll Specialist to join our Accounting team. The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll and payroll-related transactions, including wage garnishments, benefit deductions, paid time off administration, employee reimbursements, and payroll reporting. This position serves as a primary resource for employees and supervisors regarding payroll, deductions, PTO, and compensation-related questions while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, court orders, and company policies. This role works closely with Human Resources, payroll vendors, supervisors, and employees to maintain accurate payroll records and support various payroll, benefit, and year-end processes.

Schedule

This position is fully on-site at our Corporate Office in Lawrence, Kansas. We are seeking either a full-time employee (30 hours per week) or a part-time employee (approximately 13-20 hours per week). Candidates must be available to work on-site every Monday and Tuesday, plus at least one additional day between Wednesday and Friday. In addition, the employee must be available to work on-site on the 1st or 2nd business day of each month to support critical payroll processing activities.

Responsibilities

• Process and audit weekly payroll to ensure employees are paid accurately and on time
• Maintain payroll records, including deductions, reimbursements, garnishments, tax withholdings, direct deposits, and special payments
• Administer employee wage garnishments and ensure compliance with court orders and applicable regulations
• Coordinate payroll-related benefit deductions and updates resulting from new hires, terminations, life events, and open enrollment
• Maintain PTO accruals, adjustments, payouts, and annual rollover processes
• Respond to employee and supervisor questions regarding pay, benefits deductions, PTO balances, taxes, and payroll processes
• Administer incentive payments, attendance bonuses, holiday pay, and other approved compensation programs
• Prepare payroll reports, perform reconciliations, and support month-end and year-end payroll activities, including W-2 processing
• Partner with Human Resources and external vendors to ensure accurate payroll administration and resolve issues as needed
• Maintain confidentiality of employee information and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as company policies
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, accuracy, and operational efficiency
• Assist various departments with ongoing projects
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field preferred
• Minimum of 2 years of payroll experience required
• Working knowledge of payroll practices, wage garnishment administration, federal and state wage and hour regulations, and payroll compliance
• Experience with payroll software required; experience with AS400, Kronos, and/or Bswift a plus
• Prior experience in a manufacturing environment desired
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information
• Effective communication and customer service skills

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• FREE $10,000 Life & AD&D Insurance
• Additional Life Insurance (Self, Spouse, and Children)
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401k with Company Match
• Health Savings Account with Company Match
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Discount Programs (Local and Corporate)