Payroll Specialist

Watchtower Security LLC•Maryland Heights, MO

About The Position

We are seeking a versatile and highly organized Payroll Specialist to join our dynamic Human Resources team. This role uniquely blends general HR responsibilities with a primary focus on meticulously managing the entire payroll process. The ideal candidate will be the go-to expert for all payroll-related matters for our employees, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and strict compliance across multiple states. Reporting to the HR Director, this individual will also provide essential support to various HR functions, including benefits administration and employee relations, contributing significantly to a positive and compliant workplace.

Requirements

Proven experience in an HR Generalist or similar role with a strong, hands-on payroll component.
Demonstrated experience processing multi-state payroll is required.
Solid understanding of payroll best practices, tax regulations, and federal and state wage and hour laws.
Exceptional attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy are essential for all payroll and HR functions.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to effectively prioritize tasks and consistently meet firm deadlines.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal), with the ability to address employee inquiries with professionalism, clarity, and empathy.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion and integrity.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel) and Google Workspace.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field is preferred.
HR or Payroll certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR, FPC, CPP) is a significant plus.
Proficiency with ADP is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the accurate and timely processing of bi-weekly, multi-state payroll for all employees using ADP.
Manage and maintain the payroll system, ensuring data integrity for new hires, terminations, salary changes, benefits deductions, and other payroll-impacting events.
Serve as the primary point of contact for employees regarding all payroll-related questions, concerns, and discrepancies, providing professional and empathetic support.
Process wage garnishments, child support orders, tax levies, and other mandatory deductions in strict compliance with all legal requirements.
Prepare and generate regular and ad-hoc payroll reports for management and auditing purposes, providing key financial insights.
Ensure strict compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws and regulations.
Collaborate closely with the HR Director on year-end activities, including the preparation and accurate distribution of W-2s.
Assist with comprehensive benefits administration, including managing open enrollment periods, processing new employee enrollments, and responding to benefits inquiries.
Maintain accurate, confidential, and up-to-date employee files and records within the HRIS.
Assist the HR Director in handling employee relations issues, fostering a positive work environment, and ensuring fair and consistent application of company policies.
Contribute to various HR projects and initiatives as assigned, supporting the broader departmental goals.