Lead Payroll Specialist

Cox Enterprises • Atlanta, GA

2d • $32 - $48 • Hybrid

About The Position

Cox Communications is currently looking for a Lead Payroll Specialist to join our team in Atlanta, Georgia. The Role: The Lead Payroll Specialist is responsible for accurate processing of the company’s payroll for all Cox Communications (“CCI”) employees and provides Tier Two payroll issue resolution support to employees and HR Business Partners. The role serves as a subject matter expert for the team by providing training, guidance, and assistance on service delivery and troubleshooting to improve team performance and enhance the employee experience.

Requirements

• High school Diploma/GED and 7 years’ experience in a related field (i.e., Payroll, human resources, or benefits administration).
• The right candidate could also have a different combination, such as any level degree/certification beyond a High School Diploma/GED in a related discipline and 5 years’ experience; or 9 years’ experience in a related field.
• Direct payroll processing experience is a required qualification for this role.
• Experience providing service directly to customers with a strong customer experience focus.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state regulations related to payroll processing.
• Ability to work in a highly structured environment.
• Strong computer skills and ability to navigate multiple screens.
• Working knowledge of Workday, Time & Labor or experience with a major payroll system (ADP, Workday, UKG, Ceridian, Paychex, etc.).
• Ability to deal sensitively with confidential material.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Detail oriented with strong data entry accuracy.

Nice To Haves

• Payroll experience, preferably in a lead or senior role.
• BA/AS/AA or Technical Certification in a related discipline (i.e., Human Resources, Business, etc.).
• Ability to adapt to constant change while managing deadlines and multiple payroll cycles.
• Experience partnering cross-functionally (HR, Finance, Benefits).
• Strong Excel skills (reconciliations, audits, reporting).

Responsibilities

• Prepares, documents, and disburses payroll checks for non‑exempt hourly and exempt salaried employees; ensures all appropriate taxes, deductions, and contributions are accurately withheld and W‑2s correctly issued.
• Executes time and attendance processing and interfaces with payroll; processes and inputs payroll‑related transactions in accordance with internal procedures.
• Validates data entry for commissions, bonuses, tuition reimbursements, and retroactive pay for late adjustments, promotions, or reclassifications.
• Maintains earnings, deductions, employment data, and pay rate changes in Workday.
• Processes new hire tax records, PTO payouts for terminated employees, and payroll changes related to short‑term disability and military leave.
• Calculates and enters Benefits (ABBR/TTBR) rates; maintains leave accrual records and updates for rehires, terms, leaves, and transfers.
• Sets up Maintain Time Reporter data in Workday for hourly and capital labor reports.
• Generates manual check requests, stop payment and reversal requests, and coordinates off‑cycle check disbursements.
• Validates check counts, assures accurate payroll package distribution, and maintains auditor records for biweekly payroll mass approvals.
• Reconciles payroll prior to transmission and validates confirmed reports.
• Assists with garnishment questions and compliance and processes accurate and timely year-end reporting when necessary.
• Provides support to leaders with time entry and Workday Time and Labor delegation questions.
• Researches, resolves, and responds to escalated payroll inquiries from the HR Service Center.
• Interprets and communicates HR policies and procedures verbally and in writing using multiple communication channels.
• Utilizes case management and knowledge applications to research, document, and update tickets for payroll inquiries.
• Researches recurring inquiries, makes recommendations to improve processes, documents trends, escalates appropriately, and contributes to methods and procedures documentation.
• Assists with knowledge transfer by cross‑training team members and serves as subject matter expert for HR processes and complex payroll issues.
• Updates leader on process issues or improvements.
• Maintains working knowledge of company policies, procedures, government regulations, and business ethics.

Benefits

• Employees are eligible to receive a minimum of sixteen hours of paid time off every month and seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
• Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.
• Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED