Payroll Specialist

Morton Salt•Overland Park, KS

About The Position

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for salaried and hourly employees across the United States and Canada using UKG Pro Payroll and UKG Time & Attendance solutions. This role supports end‑to‑end payroll operations in a multi‑state, multi‑location environment and ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, provincial, and local payroll regulations. The Payroll Specialist partners closely with HR, Benefits, Finance, and site leaders to validate payroll inputs, resolve discrepancies, and ensure employees are paid correctly and on time. The role requires strong attention to detail, the ability to meet strict payroll deadlines, and sound judgment to independently resolve payroll issues of moderate complexity while maintaining confidentiality and providing a high level of customer service. This position also serves as a backup to the Senior Payroll Analyst and supports payroll documentation, internal controls, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives within the UKG environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Human Resources, or a related field required.
3+ years of hands‑on payroll processing experience in a mid‑ to large‑size organization.
Proven experience processing multi‑state U.S. payroll for salaried and hourly employees.
Hands‑on experience with UKG Payroll and UKG Workforce Management (Time & Attendance).
Strong knowledge of U.S. payroll laws, wage and hour regulations, payroll taxes, and withholdings.
Experience administering payroll deductions including benefits, garnishments, and other court‑ordered withholdings.
Familiarity with year‑end payroll activities, including W‑2 preparation and reconciliation.
Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
Ability to meet strict payroll deadlines in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
Strong communication skills and a customer‑service mindset.
Ability to handle highly confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and basic payroll reporting.

Responsibilities

Process regular and off‑cycle payrolls for salaried and hourly employees using UKG Pro Payroll, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with company policies and applicable laws.
Review, validate, and reconcile time and attendance data from UKG Time & Attendance solutions, including hours worked, overtime, shift premiums, and paid and unpaid time off.
Ensure employees receive accurate pay statements reflecting wages, salary changes, retroactive pay, bonuses, terminations, benefits deductions, disability payments, garnishments, and other earnings or withholdings.
Administer payroll deductions in accordance with federal, state, provincial, and local requirements, including benefits, taxes, wage garnishments, and other court‑ordered withholdings.
Support multi‑state payroll processing, including correct application of tax withholding, reciprocity rules, and local tax requirements.
Ensure non‑exempt overtime is calculated accurately and in compliance with wage and hour laws and collective bargaining agreements, where applicable.
Process short‑term disability payments and reconcile payroll data to information received from third‑party administrators or insurance providers.
Assist with year‑end payroll activities, including W‑2 and other tax form preparation, reconciliation, and distribution.
Respond to payroll inquiries from employees, managers, and external agencies, researching and resolving issues in a timely and professional manner.
Partner with HR, Benefits, and Finance teams to support payroll‑related activities, including employee data changes, benefits withholding orders, payroll adjustments, and reporting needs.
Provide guidance to internal stakeholders regarding payroll processes, timelines, and UKG system functionality.
Complete and retain payroll backup documentation in accordance with company record retention policies.
Maintain and follow established internal controls related to payroll processing and pay master data changes within UKG.
Review payroll and system reports to identify discrepancies, compliance risks, or trends and take appropriate corrective action.
Support internal and external payroll audits by preparing requested documentation, reconciliations, and explanations.
Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date payroll and timekeeping process documentation, including procedures related to UKG Pro Payroll and UKG Time & Attendance solutions.
Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls, and system efficiencies within the UKG environment.
Provide UKG system support to users, including basic troubleshooting and assistance with system navigation and payroll‑related questions.
Participate in UKG payroll or timekeeping upgrades, testing, and enhancements as needed.
Perform additional payroll‑related duties and special projects as assigned.