Payroll Specialist

AKG North America Inc•Mebane, NC

23d

About The Position

We are seeking a meticulous and dedicated Payroll Specialist I to join our team. In this role, you will lead the accurate and timely processing of multi-state payrolls, ensure compliance with tax and labor regulations, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to create a seamless employee payroll experience. You will support audits, enhance processes, and be a reliable resource for payroll inquiries, requiring strong analytical skills and a commitment to confidentiality.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in accounting, HR, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Minimum 5 years of payroll processing experience in a multi-state and/or multi-FEIN environment.
Minimum 2 years of leading and/or developing payroll process improvements
Proficient with payroll systems (e.g., Paylocity, ADP, or UKG) and Microsoft Excel.
Solid understanding of wage and hour laws, payroll tax regulations, and payroll best practices.
Demonstrated discretion with sensitive data, strong attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred to support communication across diverse employee populations.
Experience managing payroll tax filings and reconciliations.
Payroll or HR certification (CPP, FPC, PHR, SHRM-CP) is a plus.

Responsibilities

Execute biweekly and off-cycle payrolls in accordance with payroll calendars and organizational policies.
Use standardized checklists to ensure accurate payroll execution and full compliance documentation.
Maintain audit-ready payroll records and ensure accurate tax filings in line with federal, state, and local timelines.
Collaborate with HR and Benefits to correctly process new hires, terminations, deductions, and variable compensation.
Review timecards, resolve discrepancies, and escalate payroll issues as appropriate.
Reconcile Paid Time Off (PTO) balances and maintain accurate accruals.
Administer the Points and Attendance (PA) program with supervisors to ensure compliance.
Provide payroll data and reporting to support HR and Finance functions.
Respond to inquiries including garnishments, verifications of employment, unemployment claims, and other requests.
Participate in testing and deploying system enhancements in payroll or HRIS platforms.
Conduct regular audits to identify payroll errors and compliance risks.
Prepare documentation for internal and external audits.
Identify opportunities to streamline payroll processes and improve efficiency.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of payroll regulations and standards; pursue continuous learning in this area.
Partner with HR, Benefits, and Operations to ensure payroll accuracy and alignment with company policies.
Support site leaders in timecard approvals and enforce timekeeping policies.
Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with payroll legislation and trends.