Payroll Specialist

Watts Water•North Andover, MA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to join our payroll team. This role is responsible for administering daily payroll operations, including the accurate processing of one weekly and twelve bi-weekly multi-state payrolls in a collaborative team environment. The Payroll Specialist will serve as a key point of contact for employees and managers, providing prompt responses to urgent payroll-related inquiries and delivering effective solutions as a valued member of the payroll team. The role is hybrid and based in Andover, MA.

Requirements

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum 2 years of experience processing payrolls with varying levels of complexity and multiple payroll frequencies
Ability to handle and communicate confidential information to employees, HR Business Partners and external providers
Strong background in excel including functions such as VLOOKUPs and pivot tables
Ability to multitask while maintaining strong organizational and time management skills

Nice To Haves

String analytical skills to support regulatory compliance, policy implementation and systems maintenance and enhancement activities
Knowledge of Payroll Systems, HRIS and Time & Attendance platforms.
Experience with Workday, UKG Pro and UTA preferred

Responsibilities

Assume ownership of the accurate processing and auditing of all payroll data for hourly and exempt employees across weekly and bi-weekly pay cycles using UKG Pro. This includes validating hours worked, tax data, direct deposit information, department allocations, pay adjustments, new hires, and terminations prior to finalizing payroll.
Administer wage garnishments, and ensure all deductions are processed in accordance with applicable jurisdictional requirements.
Ensure full compliance with federal, state and local payroll laws and regulations.
Process and maintain expense payments, positive pay files and 401K interfaces between external providers and UltiPro.
Prepare detailed payroll-related journal entries for posting to General Ledger.
Respond to employment verification and unemployment insurance claim inquiries.
Perform per-pay-period audits and assist with quarter-end and year-end audits, adjustments, and reporting.
Maintain SOX compliance for all payroll-related processes and documentation.
Promptly follow up with employee and third-party inquiries resolving payroll discrepancies, errors and concerns.
Perform additional duties and special projects as business needs require.