HR/Payroll Specialist

Hampton Lumber • Portland, OR

17h • Onsite

About The Position

The Payroll Specialist will be based in the Portland, OR office and will report directly to the Payroll & HRIS Manager. The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of complex multi-state payrolls, with primary ownership of hourly payroll operations and involvement in incentive, commission, and off-cycle payrolls. This role serves as a key resource for payroll processes, compliance, and audits, and provides day-to-day support to employees, supervisors, HR, and Finance.
The Payroll Specialist plays an important role in payroll controls, audit readiness, documentation, and cross-training, and works closely with Payroll, HR, and Finance teams to support payroll accuracy, regulatory compliance, and continuous process improvement.

Requirements

• 3-5+ years of experience in payroll processing
• Strong knowledge of payroll processing, wage and hour laws, and payroll compliance
• Experience with multi-state payroll, incentive compensation, and off-cycle payrolls preferred
• Understanding of retirement plan payroll interfaces and reconciliations (401(k), loans, deferrals)
• High attention to detail with strong audit, reconciliation, and documentation skills
• Ability to troubleshoot payroll discrepancies and explain payroll concepts clearly
• Proficiency with payroll systems (UKG preferred), Excel, and payroll reporting tools
• Ability to manage competing priorities and maintain confidentiality in a fast-paced environment
• Must embrace Hampton Core Values and continuously strive to “Find a Better Way Every Day”

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field preferred
• Preference will be given to candidates with a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or other relevant professional designations

Responsibilities

• Process end-to-end payroll for hourly employees, including timesheet validation, earnings calculations, deductions, and payment processing
• Prepare and process off-cycle, manual, final, commission, production bonus, STIP bonus, deferred compensation, and incentive payrolls
• Prepare miscellaneous pay items and submit entries through Pending Pay
• Process voids and reissues of payroll checks as needed
• Process and administer all payroll garnishments and wage attachments, ensuring accurate deductions, timely responses, and compliance with federal, state, and local requirements
• Maintain garnishment records and coordinate with employees, agencies, and third-party vendors regarding garnishment-related matters
• Assist with salary payroll processing through cross-training
• Review, verify, create, reset, and distribute employee timesheets
• Send timesheet reminders and notifications for hourly and salaried employees
• Support the successful implementation of UKG Workforce Management (WFM), including testing, process validation, troubleshooting, and end-user support
• Serve as a key payroll resource during the transition from legacy timekeeping processes to UKG WFM
• Oversee ongoing timesheet review, payroll validation, and payroll-related processing within UKG WFM following go-live
• Help ensure timekeeping, payroll, and audit processes within UKG WFM remain accurate, compliant, and operationally efficient
• Process employee direct deposit updates
• Review and update employee records for various payroll changes
• Review rehires for proper 401(k) setup and payroll configuration
• Assist employees with UKG system password resets
• Support employee questions related to 401(k) contributions, loans, hardship withdrawals, and catch-up contributions
• Download, review, and process Vanguard loan and deferral files
• Process Vanguard employer maintenance activities including terminations, auto cash-outs, and Media Out reports
• Reconcile Vanguard 401(k) loans and payroll interfaces
• Prepare payroll funding requests and wire documentation for retirement plan contributions
• Support year-over-year catch-up contribution compliance and regulatory requirements
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies, including retro pay, hours corrections, and tax issues
• Prepare payroll audit documentation and respond to audit requests (SAIF, WA L&I, BLS, 5500, and other regulatory reviews)
• Maintain and update payroll audit checklists and reconciliation spreadsheets
• Prepare post-payroll reconciliation reports and distribute to key stakeholders
• Develop, maintain, and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for payroll processes
• Compile, save, and maintain earnings, deductions, audit, and import files used in payroll processing
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to payroll controls, compliance, and efficiency
• Serve as a payroll resource for HR, supervisors, and employees by answering questions and providing guidance
• Respond to ad hoc payroll and reporting requests
• Collaborate closely with Payroll, HRIS, HR, Finance, and external vendors

Benefits

• Substantial company-paid assistance for Medical and Dental insurance premiums; mental health coverage; cost effective co-pays and deductibles
• 401(k) with 5% annual company contribution and generous company matching contributions vested over three years
• Paid time off, including eight paid holidays
• Opportunity to earn bonuses
• Employee wellness program that includes free counseling sessions, financial and legal guidance, and more
• Opportunities for paid training to support career advancement and personal development

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level