Payroll Specialist

Empire Marketing Strategies • Blue Ash, OH

22d • Onsite

About The Position

Empire Marketing Strategies has been a leader in delivering exceptional in-store execution for over 40 years, enhancing the customer experience in grocery retail. Operating in all 18 Kroger divisions across the U.S., we partner with some of the world's top brands to optimize their presence in over 2,500 store locations. Our team thrives on tackling diverse challenges in the fast-paced retail industry. We value dedication, talent, and a passion for excellence. The Payroll Specialist processes weekly payroll and maintains payroll and associate records. This role also owns the integrity of data related to payroll taxes and is responsible for regular post-payroll reporting to business leaders.

Requirements

• College degree strongly preferred. Equivalent relevant experience should also apply.
• 3+ years of multi-state payroll and tax processing experience required.
• 3+ years of high-volume payroll processing experience (over 1000 associates.)
• 2+ years of benefits reconciliation (billing and payroll) experience required.
• Experience with large data sets in MS Excel required.
• Experience with benefits modules required, preferably Bswift.
• Highly advanced Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
• Ability to be able to operate autonomously, with strong personal drive for results.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to write clear and concise correspondence.
• Ability to accurately exchange information.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Strong analytical and math skills.
• Proficient with payroll software, specifically Paylocity.

Nice To Haves

• CCP Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Acts as company expert and first point of contact regarding payroll for associates.
• Provides guidance on payroll compliance.
• Partners with Accounting to ensure financial statement accuracy regarding payroll data.
• Manages pre-process audit reports between benefits portals and HRIS to ensure accurate data to be processes in pay run.
• Finalizes and approves outstanding employee changes in HRIS as appropriate for each pay period.
• Manages supervisor accountability regarding hours and wages payable for each pay period.
• Enters, maintains, and processes information in the payroll system; information may include employees’ hourly rates, salaries, commissions, bonuses or other compensation, time worked, paid leave and holidays, deductions and withholding, address changes, and other information.
• Manage multi-state and local tax processes.
• Work closely with payroll provider to manage garnishment processing.
• Prepares and distributes year-end tax forms.
• Ensures proper processing of payroll deductions for taxes, benefits, charitable contributions, and other deductions.
• Issues, or reissues, physical or replacement checks or direct deposits due to payroll errors or final discharge.
• Run and review payroll reports for accuracy and contact various location personnel for clarification when needed.
• Completes weekly reporting and posts to shared drives for leadership review including Regular Roll-Up Hours Report Division YTD Earnings Report Supervisor Time Detail Report
• Creates ad hoc reporting relevant to payroll as required.
• Respond in a timely manner to internal and external correspondence via email and phone.
• Assist with responding to associate questions regarding payroll.
• Primary owner of payroll email inboxes.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, disability coverage, a retirement program, mental health support, paid time off, and 9 paid holidays annually.
• Educational Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree