Payroll Specialist

Job Purpose: The Payroll Specialist is responsible for accurately processing and maintaining employee payroll in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as company policies. This role ensures that all wages, deductions, and benefits are correctly calculated and recorded, while providing excellent customer service to employees and departments regarding payroll inquiries. 

Reporting Relationships 

Reports To: Director – Payroll Operations 

Direct Reports: No direct reports 

Essential Job Functions: 

(Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.) 

• Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing by reviewing, verifying, and entering time and attendance data from electronic and paper sources. 
• Audit payroll information, correct discrepancies, and analyze control reports to maintain accuracy and compliance. 
• Process payroll-related documentation, including garnishments, deductions, employment verifications, unemployment claims, and other required reports. 
• Support onboarding and offboarding activities to ensure accurate setup and termination of payroll and timekeeping records. 
• Maintain employee payroll files and records in compliance with regulatory and retention requirements. 
• Prepare manual payroll checks as needed, ensuring proper calculation of wages, deductions, and taxes. 
• Provide training and support on HRIS and timekeeping systems for employees and supervisors. 
• Deliver professional and confidential customer service, supporting the Payroll Manager and department operations as needed. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Required Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure and Credentials: (Where appropriate, education and/or experience may be substituted) 

Minimum Preferred Education: Associate degree in related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Minimum Required Experience: 1 years related experience with associate degree, or 3 years related experience. 

Preferred License – Certification – Registration: Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified 

Payroll Professional designation (CPP). Issued By Governing Body (if applicable): PayrollOrg 

Travel Type: Less than 10% 

Required Valid Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license 

Required Auto Insurance: Vehicle liability insurance in accordance with Agency policy 

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: 

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality to all employee and client information following HIPPA regulations. 
• Strong data entry skills with attention to detail. 
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality. 
• Ability to effectively utilize new software/programs. 
• Ability to coordinate work to meet deadlines. 
• Ability to prioritize duties and function effectively in a multi-task environment. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word 
• Ability to effectively communicate with a diverse audience of internal and external customers. 
• Ability to take personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work and achieve results with little oversight. 

Physical Requirements, Visual Acuity, and Work Conditions:  

Physical Requirements: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. 

Visual Acuity: The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal.  

Working Conditions: None: The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions. 

Who We Are: Founded in 1938, the Centers for Independence (CFI) has strengthened communities by fostering hope and helping people advance their total health. CFI’s unmatched breadth of disability support services and resources through its affiliates - the Milwaukee Center for Independence, Home Care, First Person Care Consultants and iLIFE - allows others to find value in themselves and see a path forward. Join us at Centers for Independence, where your skills and talents will be valued, and your career will flourish. 

This is a general outline of the essential functions of this position and shall not be construed as an all-inclusive description of all work requirements and responsibilities that may be inherent in this position. The employee may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by the designated work leader(s). All requirements are subject to change over time.