Payroll Specialist

Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART)•Tampa, FL

6d•$25 - $29•Onsite

About The Position

HART is seeking a Payroll Specialist to independently manage advanced payroll transactions and help deliver accurate, timely biweekly payroll. The position works with Finance, Human Resources, Operations and Risk to validate employee hours, apply pay rules, resolve complex discrepancies and maintain reliable payroll records. The role applies provisions of the ATU and Teamsters labor contracts, the Non-Bargaining Handbook and applicable payroll requirements, while supporting the Payroll Manager. The position processes and reviews complex payroll transactions; handles corrections, adjustments, deductions and garnishments; reconciles payroll to the general ledger; prepares reports and documentation; and supports audits and year-end reporting. It also uses Trapeze and ADP to manage operator work-hour files and payroll data, and may provide technical guidance or review the work of other payroll personnel when assigned. Work is generally performed in a professional office environment, with extended computer and keyboard use. The role involves sustained concentration and accuracy under strict payroll deadlines while handling confidential information. Physical activities include standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping and lifting objects weighing up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation. The employee is responsible for safeguarding protected employee information and supporting a safe and secure work environment.

Requirements

An associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Two to four years of experience in payroll, accounting, human resources, timekeeping or a related administrative role.
Experience using payroll and timekeeping systems.
Knowledge of payroll administration, wage and tax requirements, withholding, garnishments, levies, benefit deductions, payroll accounting and general ledger reconciliation.
Ability to interpret and apply collective bargaining pay provisions, payroll policies, internal controls, audit requirements and recordkeeping procedures.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and ability to use payroll, human resources and related financial systems.
Strong accuracy, analytical and organizational skills; ability to research discrepancies, exercise independent judgment and meet strict deadlines.
Clear oral and written communication and ability to work effectively with employees, management, Finance, Human Resources, benefit providers and auditors.
Ability to provide technical guidance and work review when assigned and operate standard office equipment.
Ability to safeguard confidential and protected information and exercise sound judgment and discretion.
Ability to perform the physical activities described, including lifting objects weighing up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Experience using ADP, Trapeze or similar payroll and timekeeping software.
Experience working in a unionized environment.
Experience supporting payroll or timekeeping system implementations or migrations.

Responsibilities

Independently process and review complex payroll transactions, validate employee hours, and meet established payroll schedules, policies, procedures and applicable requirements.
Process retroactive pay, wage corrections, supplemental payments, final pay, off-cycle checks, tax withholding adjustments, benefit deductions and other corrections; set up and maintain garnishments in ADP.
Interpret and apply payroll policies, collective bargaining provisions, and applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations; research escalated employee inquiries, identify root causes and resolve pay discrepancies.
Review payroll data and preview check registers before processing; make corrections and verify accuracy after processing.
Use Trapeze to create operator work-hour files for transfer to ADP; validate exceptions against Operations Control Center attendance, run and block status, Extra Board run assignments and operator markup records; upload completed files through the designated ADP transfer website.
Maintain the payroll markup binder for each new markup and update operator run changes and selections throughout the markup period.
Monitor employees on extended absences or paid return to duty each pay period to ensure paid and unpaid hours are accurate in ADP timecards.
Prepare thirteen-week wage statements for workers’ compensation claims, maintain supporting payroll documentation, and enter light-duty hours using Risk Department-approved timesheets.
Reconcile payroll to the general ledger and research and resolve differences involving accounting records, benefit deductions, tax liabilities and related financial systems.
Prepare check requests and supporting documentation for payroll deductions paid through Accounts Payable or ACH.
Prepare and analyze payroll reports, reconciliations and supporting records for management, Finance, auditors and other stakeholders; provide authorized information in response to records requests.
Support internal and external audits and year-end payroll reporting by researching transactions, gathering documentation, and reconciling taxable wages, deductions and employee wage-statement information.
Maintain current payroll knowledge and recommend or help implement improvements to processes, controls, documentation and system use.
Serve as a technical payroll resource; when assigned, train, mentor, guide or review the work of other payroll personnel.
Assist the Payroll Manager and perform other related duties as assigned.
Safeguard employee payroll, tax, banking, compensation, benefits, personal and other protected information; limit access, use and disclosure to authorized business purposes and individuals with a legitimate need to know; follow applicable laws, HART policies and internal controls; maintain privacy and security safeguards; and report suspected unauthorized access, disclosure, loss or misuse.
Follow health, safety, security and quality-management policies; recognize and report accidents and hazardous conditions; assist with developing and promoting departmental safety procedures; and properly use and care for assigned equipment and materials.