Payroll Specialist

Walker-Miller Energy•Detroit, MI

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll and payroll‑related activities in accordance with company policies and applicable regulatory requirements. This role is housed within the Finance & Accounting department and partners cross‑functionally to ensure payroll data integrity, reporting accuracy, and compliance. The Payroll Specialist plays an active role in continuous process improvement efforts, including identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, strengthen controls, and support automation of payroll processes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and payroll experience.
Minimum of five (5) years of hands-on payroll processing experience, preferably in a multi-state or complex payroll environment.
Comprehensive knowledge of payroll regulations, tax laws, and compliance requirements.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to review, interpret, and validate payroll data and reports.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the use of formulas and data analysis functions.
High level of accuracy and attention to detail in payroll calculations and reporting.
Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
Effective verbal and written communication skills to collaborate cross-functionally and respond to payroll-related inquiries.
Demonstrated ability to work with a sense of urgency while maintaining professionalism, discretion, and a service-oriented mindset.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications; comfortable learning and adapting to payroll and finance systems.

Nice To Haves

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate a biweekly, multi-state payroll, and process off-cycle payments.
Maintain the timekeeping system and work directly with team members to resolve timecard issues and assist people leaders with timecard approvals.
Respond to and process wage garnishments.
Maintain payroll pay codes (paid and unpaid) and create new pay codes as needed.
Manage paid time off (PTO) accruals and audit team member balances for accuracy.
Lead and resolve payroll-related audits.
Develop checks and balances with established processes and workflows.
Respond timely to payroll and IRS tax notices and establish Walker-Miller Energy Services as an employer as required under applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Manage all executed severance agreements, including ensuring all payroll and benefit-related conditions are fulfilled. Track ongoing severance payments and respond to recipient inquiries/questions, etc.
Respond to unemployment claims.
Support the annual 401k audit, providing auditors with requested information in a timely manner.
Manage all 401k transactions, including eligibility, contribution changes, loan requests and repayments, rollovers, and withdrawals.
Remit all 401k contributions each time a payroll is processed/as applicable.
Ensure process compliance and accurate administration of all payments.
Reconcile monthly benefit vendor invoices and submit billing for payment.
Perform detailed reconciliations between payroll records, benefit deductions, and vendor invoices to ensure accuracy and completeness prior to payment.
Investigate, document, and resolve discrepancies between payroll system data, benefits carrier reports, and general ledger postings.
Prepare and maintain reconciliation schedules supporting payroll and benefits expenses for monthly close and audit requests.
Review payroll and benefits data for accuracy, reasonableness, and compliance before submission to Finance for payment and posting.
Maintain accurate records and supporting documentation related to payroll and benefits transactions in accordance with record retention requirements.
Partner with Finance leadership to support month‑end close activities, including variance analysis and validation of payroll‑related expenses.
Identify data integrity issues and recommend process improvements to strengthen controls and reduce the risk of payroll or billing errors.