UKG Payroll Administrator

This role serves as The Arc of Central Alabama's subject-matter expert for payroll processing within the UKG Ready platform, owning end-to-end payroll operations for employees across all programs and locations. The Administrator configures and maintains UKG Ready payroll, timekeeping (TLM), and pay-rule settings; processes accurate and timely multi-cycle payroll; and troubleshoots complex payroll, tax, and system issues. Working closely with People Operations and Finance, the Administrator ensures compliant, confidential payroll records and leverages UKG Ready functionality to support a stable, well-compensated workforce serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly and/or semi-monthly payroll for all employee populations within UKG Ready, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Configure and maintain UKG Ready payroll, timekeeping (TLM), pay rules, earnings/deduction codes, and accrual settings.
• Review and validate timekeeping data, including hours worked, overtime, shift differentials, and leave balances.
• Calculate and process wage deductions, garnishments, and benefits contributions within UKG Ready.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex payroll, tax, and UKG Ready system issues, escalating platform defects to UKG support as needed.
• Build and maintain payroll reports, dashboards, and audit queries within UKG Ready.
• Maintain accurate payroll records in compliance with federal, state, and organizational requirements.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding pay, deductions, and payroll discrepancies.
• Coordinate with People Operations on new hires, terminations, and status changes affecting payroll.
• Manage quarterly and annual payroll tax filings and year-end W-2 processing within UKG Ready.
• Reconcile payroll reports with the general ledger in coordination with the Finance department.
• Support system upgrades, testing, and new-feature rollouts within the UKG Ready platform.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee compensation and personal information.
• Support internal and external audits and regulatory reporting related to payroll.
• Ensure the direct-care and clinical workforce serving people with IDD is paid accurately and on time, supporting staff stability and continuity of care.
• Uphold ethical, compliant payroll practices reflecting responsible stewardship of organizational and Medicaid waiver funds.
• Handle employee data with discretion and respect for privacy.
• Support People Operations and program leadership in maintaining a stable workforce dedicated to person-centered service delivery.
• Respond promptly and respectfully to payroll concerns raised by direct-care staff supporting people served.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; associate or bachelor's degree in accounting, business, or a related field preferred.
• Five (5) or more years of payroll processing experience.
• Active UKG Ready (payroll and/or workforce management) certification required.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience administering payroll within the UKG Ready platform.
• Advanced proficiency with payroll software, timekeeping systems, and Microsoft Excel.
• Must pass a statewide/criminal background check confirming no convictions for any crime of violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation, or any felony offense.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).
• Experience configuring UKG Ready payroll, TLM, pay rules, and accruals.
• Experience with multi-program or multi-location payroll processing.
• Experience in a non-profit or Medicaid-funded organization.
• Experience supporting HRIS/payroll system implementations or upgrades.

Skills

• Advanced knowledge of the UKG Ready payroll and timekeeping platform.
• Knowledge of payroll processing, tax withholding, and wage and hour regulations.
• Skill in configuring and maintaining payroll pay rules, earnings/deduction codes, and accruals in UKG Ready.
• Skill in building payroll reports, dashboards, and audit queries.
• Skill in accurate data entry and reconciliation.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex payroll and system issues independently.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to recurring payroll deadlines.

Physical & Essential Functions

• Primarily sedentary office work involving extended periods of sitting and computer use.
• Occasional lifting of files or office supplies up to 15 lbs.
• Visual acuity for reviewing detailed payroll data.
• Ability to work at a computer screen for extended periods without adverse effect.

Work Environment

• Standard administrative office setting.
• Regular business-hours schedule with fixed, recurring pay-cycle deadlines.
• Minimal travel required.