Manufacturing Payroll Specialist

Rehlko•Milwaukee, WI

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Our work is guided by our purpose: creating an energy-resilient world for a better future. This purpose embodies the legacy we bring, with more than 100 years as the global leader in energy resilience, delivering solutions critical to sustain and improve life. Our teams have the opportunity to provide a critical resource – energy – that ensures safety, security, and independence for people around the world. Our team members are focused on pushing boundaries, continuing to innovate in an ever-changing landscape, and keeping up with the pace required to create solutions for today’s world demands. Our product range includes engines, generators, power conversion, UPS systems, EV components and electrification solutions, microgrid controls and management, and clean energy solutions that serve a broad spectrum of OEM, residential, industrial, and commercial customers. At Rehlko, you have the freedom to identify, create, and deliver solutions – large and small – that help people and communities thrive in the moments that matter. At Rehlko, our team members are the essential energy that powers our organization’s success. We are committed to fostering a safe and sustainable work environment where safety is everyone’s responsibility. We empower every team member to actively participate in our Zero Is Possible safety culture by encouraging open communication, proactively reporting hazards, following protocols, and suggesting improvements. Join us in creating an energy resilient world for a better future! At Rehlko, our Total Rewards programs are designed to accelerate growth, energize performance, and support a culture of inclusion at every stage of life and work. We offer total rewards that are easily understood, recognize results, enable career mobility, and reflect our commitment to valuing diverse needs in a fast-moving world. Reporting to the Global Payroll Manager, the Manufacturing Payroll Specialist supports union and non-union payrolls, multi-state taxation, general ledger mapping, payroll balancing, and reporting. The Manufacturing Payroll Specialist plays a key role in payroll controls, analytics, KPIs, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field (or equivalent experience).
3–6+ years of payroll experience in a manufacturing or high-volume environment.
Strong knowledge of multi-state payroll taxation and withholding rules.
Hands-on experience with payroll balancing, tax reconciliation, and general ledger integration.
Proficiency with payroll systems, timekeeping systems, and Excel (pivot tables, lookups).
Strong analytical and reconciliation skills
High attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to manage deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
Effective communication with HR, Finance, union representatives, and vendors
Continuous improvement mindset

Nice To Haves

Experience with union payroll and collective bargaining agreements strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Payroll Compliance Support payroll for employees working in multiple states, ensuring proper state withholding and reciprocity rules. Manage and maintain multiple state and local tax registrations as the workforce expands or work locations change.
Payroll Balancing & Controls Perform detailed payroll balance, including: Gross-to-net reconciliation Earnings, deductions, and tax balancing Quarter-end and year-end reconciliations (W-2, W-3, state filings) Balance payroll taxes and coordinate with third-party tax vendors to resolve discrepancies. Investigate and resolve payroll variances, errors, and audit findings.
General Ledger & Financial Integration Maintain and validate payroll general ledger coding, mappings, and cost allocations. Reconcile payroll registers to the general ledger and resolve posting differences. Partner with Finance/Accounting to support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities.
Reporting, KPIs & Analytics Gather data and assist manager with payroll KPIs and dashboards (e.g., payroll accuracy, off-cycle payments, error rates, timeliness). Provide payroll data, metrics, and insights to HR, Finance, and leadership. Support internal and external audits by preparing payroll documentation and reports.
Projects & Continuous Improvement Participate in payroll-related projects, including system upgrades, implementations, process improvements, and acquisitions. Identify opportunities to streamline payroll processes, strengthen controls, and improve data accuracy. Document payroll procedures and support standardization across locations