Payroll Specialist

About the Job

Our client is a global manufacturer of wind towers and offshore wind substructures founded in 2003.

Our client is seeking a detail-oriented, analytical, and dependable Payroll Specialist to lead and execute payroll operations. Serving as the facility’s primary subject matter expert, you will be responsible for processing accurate bi-weekly payroll for hourly and salaried employees in full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Working closely with HR, Finance, department supervisors, and employees, you will manage timekeeping data, resolve payroll discrepancies, maintain confidential records, and support routine audit and financial reconciliation processes. The ideal candidate brings strong analytical capabilities, a mastery of wage and hour laws, and a commitment to maintaining exceptional accuracy under tight deadline schedules.

Responsibilities

Payroll Processing & System Administration

• Process bi-weekly payroll accurately and on schedule for salaried and hourly employees across multiple departments.
• Review timekeeping records, attendance logs, wage adjustments, and timecard approvals for completeness and accuracy prior to processing.
• Maintain employee payroll files, including pay rates, withholdings, garnishments, tax elections, direct deposits, and leave balances.
• Process off-cycle payroll runs, final paychecks, tax payments, and special deductions (e.g., charitable contributions, benefit deductions) as required.
• Train and advise supervisors and timekeepers on timekeeping practices, approval workflows, and payroll policies.

Reporting, Reconciliations & Auditing

• Conduct routine payroll data audits to identify and resolve discrepancies related to hours worked, wage rates, leave usage, or deductions.
• Assist Finance with payroll-related reporting, general ledger entries, and monthly payroll reconciliations.
• Generate standard and custom payroll reports and metrics for leadership as requested.
• Gather documentation, logs, and reporting to support internal and external payroll audits.
• Identify process bottlenecks and implement improvements to increase accuracy and processing efficiency.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Employee Support

• Serve as the main point of contact for employee payroll inquiries, resolving issues promptly and professionally.
• Coordinate with Human Resources and department managers to validate employee data changes, including new hires, transfers, promotions, leaves, and separations.
• Stay up to date on federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and payroll compliance requirements.

Essential Functions

• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding employee compensation, tax documents, and personal information.
• Perform detailed analytical work and numerical calculations with a high degree of precision.
• Prioritize multiple tasks effectively while adhering to firm bi-weekly payroll timelines.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with employees, supervisors, HR, Finance, and external regulatory agencies.
• Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance in accordance with standard operating hours.

Skills and Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or Human Resources preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on payroll processing experience required.
• Working knowledge of payroll regulations, wage and hour laws, tax withholding requirements, and payroll administration practices.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, with advanced capabilities in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and financial reconciliation skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision and exercise sound judgment in handling sensitive data.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience operating Paycom payroll and timekeeping systems.
• Background processing multi-department or manufacturing/production facility payroll.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Physical Demands: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Frequent use of keyboards, monitors, and standard office equipment. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing. Occasional lifting and carrying up to 15 pounds, and ability to navigate uneven surfaces across facility areas.
• Work Environment: Primary duties take place in a professional office environment, with occasional visits to production areas. Requires concentration and attention to detail while working within tight payroll deadlines.
• Safety & Compliance: Responsible for following standard operating procedures regarding safety and, where applicable, the proper handling/storage of hazardous materials or waste in assigned satellite accumulation areas.

Job Location & Details

• Location: Pueblo, Colorado (CO)
• Salary Range: $70,000 - $75,000 USD