Payroll Specialist

Key Work Responsibilities:

Payroll Processing & Administration

• Process weekly and biweekly payroll for approximately 2,000 employees using UKG or designated HRIS. (Union and non-Union employees)
• Review, audit, and reconcile timekeeping records submitted by depots and managers.
• Verify hours worked, overtime, differential pay, union premiums, deductions, leave usage, adjustments, and retroactive pay.
• Ensure compliance with FLSA, New York State labor laws, DOE requirements, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.
• Process manual checks, off-cycle payments, payroll corrections, and all bonus payments.

Additional Duties

• Data Integrity & Compliance
• HRIS & Timekeeping Management
• Employee Support & Customer Service
• Maintain strict confidentiality of employee payroll and personal data.
• Participate in continuous process improvement initiatives to enhance payroll accuracy and operational efficiency.
• Support annual W-2 processing and year-end payroll closeouts.
• Perform other payroll-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications | Job Competencies:

• Eligible to work in the United States.
• Bachelors Degree in Accounting or a related field.
• Minimum of 35 years of payroll experience, preferably within a unionized environment or large workforce (1,000+ employees).
• Proficiency in payroll systems; UKG experience strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of FLSA, New York State labor laws, tax regulations, and payroll compliance standards.
• Experience working with collective bargaining agreements is highly desirable.
• Advanced analytical, reconciliation, and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced proficiency in G Suite applications.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and commitment to confidentiality.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to manage high-volume payroll cycles and meet tight deadlines.

We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. We strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression), marital or familial status, age, physical or mental disability, perceived disability, citizenship status, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, height, weight, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Applications from members of minority groups and women are encouraged.