Payroll Specialist

The role
The Payroll Specialist is responsible for payroll processing and reporting for the cooperative and its subsidiary, in compliance with federal, state and organizational policies. This role coordinates with Finance and Human Resources to ensure accurate and timely compensation, support employee benefits, maintain payroll records, and file required payroll reporting. The Payroll Specialist plays a key role in upholding confidentiality and supporting the cooperative’s commitment to operational integrity.

Key responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly payroll for all employees, including salaried, hourly, union and seasonal workers.
• Review and validate timekeeping records.
• Prepares, inputs, reviews and analyzes payroll data to produce accurate compensation and deductions.
• Maintains accurate and organized payroll records.
• Prepares necessary reports, including but not limited to: gross payroll, hours worked, paid time off accrual, tax deductions, benefit deductions, etc.
• Maintains confidentiality while routinely accessing and utilizing sensitive employee information to perform required tasks.
• Provides payroll data to auditors, tax preparers and management as needed.
• Generates annual W-2s for employees and applicable governmental agencies.
• Performs all responsibilities in accordance with IRS policies and federal and state labor laws.
• Coordinates with Human Resources to ensure payroll accurately reflects employee changes including new hires, terminations, promotions and benefit elections.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding pay, deductions and tax information.
• Participate in continuous improvement of payroll systems and processes.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of payroll regulations and best practices to ensure continued compliance.
• Performs other duties as required.