Senior Payroll Specialist

Accountabilities:

• Manage full-cycle, multi-jurisdictional payroll processing across the United States and Canada using ADP Workforce Now.

• Ensure accurate and timely processing of regular and off-cycle payrolls, including bonuses, retroactive payments, terminations, and other compensation adjustments.

• Review and reconcile payroll information with HR, benefits, and Finance data to maintain accuracy and consistency.

• Process payroll in accordance with collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), including union wage rates, shift differentials, premiums, and contractual compensation provisions.

• Validate union employee earnings, including overtime, call-out pay, guaranteed hours, per diem, and other negotiated compensation elements.

• Administer and reconcile union dues, initiation fees, and other labor-related deductions in accordance with contractual and regulatory requirements.

• Coordinate with HR, Operations, and Labor Relations to implement payroll changes related to union contracts, grievances, wage increases, and negotiated settlements.

• Maintain accurate payroll records and supporting documentation for represented employees, ensuring compliance with contractual and audit requirements.

• Ensure payroll compliance with federal, state, provincial, and local legislation, including labor regulations, prevailing wage requirements, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

• Develop, maintain, and update payroll standard operating procedures (SOPs), internal controls, and documentation.

• Support internal and external payroll audits by preparing accurate records, reports, and supporting documentation.

• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies, including union-related compensation issues, escalating contractual interpretation matters when appropriate.

• Maintain payroll system configurations and support data quality improvements, system clean-up, and process optimization within ADP Workforce Now.

• Collaborate with stakeholders on payroll system integrations, time tracking, and operational improvements; support timecard validation and integration activities where applicable.

• Partner with HR, Finance, Operations, IT, HR Business Partners, and Labor Relations to ensure data accuracy, process alignment, and effective communication.

• Serve as a payroll subject matter expert, addressing employee and stakeholder inquiries, managing escalations, and communicating payroll timelines and deliverables.

• Support payroll changes resulting from collective bargaining negotiations, contract ratifications, and labor-related agreements.

• Identify and implement scalable payroll processes, contributing to system upgrades, transformation initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

• At least 3–5 years of payroll experience, including multi-state US and Canadian payroll processing.

• Demonstrated experience processing payroll for unionized workforces and interpreting collective bargaining agreements.

• Strong knowledge of union payroll practices, including union dues, contractual wage structures, overtime rules, shift premiums, and negotiated compensation programs.

• Experience supporting payroll compliance in unionized environments, including labor-related audits and reporting requirements.

• Ability to interpret and apply collective bargaining agreement provisions accurately while ensuring payroll compliance.

• Hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now is required.

• Familiarity with UKG time management systems is a plus.

• Strong understanding of payroll compliance, tax regulations, wage laws, and reporting requirements across multiple jurisdictions.

• Experience developing and maintaining payroll SOPs, internal controls, and operational documentation.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a remote environment.

• Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with exceptional attention to detail.

• Ability to identify discrepancies, manage competing priorities, and work effectively in a high-volume, fast-growing organization.

• Preferred qualifications: Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).

• Experience supporting global payroll operations or mergers and acquisitions (M&A)-related payroll transitions.

• Familiarity with general ledger interfaces, payroll journal entries, financial reconciliations, HRIS integrations, and process mapping.

• Experience supporting multiple union contracts across different locations, business units, or jurisdictions.

• Knowledge of prevailing wage requirements, labor compliance reporting, and payroll administration in regulated industries.

• Experience partnering with Labor Relations, HR Business Partners, and operational leadership on payroll matters involving represented employees.

Benefits:

• Annual salary: $75,000.

• Fully remote work environment within the United States.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with eligibility beginning on day one of the month following 30 days of employment.

• Eight company-paid holidays and two floating holidays.

• Paid time off (PTO).

• Employer-supported 401(k) retirement plan with immediate 100% vesting, a 3% employer match, and a 50% match on the next 2%.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) options.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including access to support regardless of participation in the benefits package.

• Mental health resources and gym discounts.

• Discounted group life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.

• Discounted short-term and long-term disability insurance.

• Additional discounted group programs, including legal services, home and auto insurance, pet insurance, and identity theft protection.

• Parental leave and additional wellness resources.