PAYROLL GENERALIST

J D Auto; El Paso (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

J D Auto is seeking a Payroll Generalist to process payroll and support a wide range of payroll administration tasks. The role ensures employees are paid accurately and on time, maintaining records, auditing data, and handling deductions in compliance with federal, state, and local laws.

The incumbent will work closely with Human Resources, Accounting, and leadership to maintain payroll accuracy, respond to inquiries, and continually improve payroll processes.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Degree in Accounting, HR, Business Admin, or related field preferred.
• 2+ years of payroll processing or administration experience preferred.
• Automotive dealership payroll experience is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Process payroll for hourly, salaried, commissioned, and incentive employees on schedule.
• Review and audit timecards, attendance, overtime, and payroll adjustments for accuracy.
• Handle new hire setup, status changes, wage changes, transfers, and terminations.
• Administer payroll deductions, including benefits, retirement, garnishments, and tax levies.
• Maintain payroll records and ensure data accuracy in the system.
• Assist with payroll tax reporting, W-2s, and year-end activities.
• Reconcile payroll reports and assist with GL reconciliations.
• Respond to payroll inquiries and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Collaborate with HR on leave, benefits, and data changes.

Skills

Payroll Processing

Data Entry

Attention to Detail

Communication

Confidentiality

Analytical Skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, HR, or related field preferred

Tools

Paycor

ADP

UKG

Paycom

Workday

Job description

Department: Human Resources / Accounting

Reports To: Payroll Manager

Position Summary

The Payroll Generalist is responsible for processing payroll and supporting a wide range of payroll administration functions to ensure employees are paid accurately and on time. This position maintains payroll records, audits payroll data, processes employee compensation changes, administers payroll deductions, and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws. The Payroll Generalist serves as a resource for employees and managers regarding payroll-related questions and works collaboratively with Human Resources, Accounting, and department leadership to maintain payroll accuracy and compliance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Process payroll for hourly, salaried, commissioned, and incentive-based employees in accordance with established payroll schedules.
• Review and audit timecards, attendance records, overtime, commissions, bonuses, and payroll adjustments for accuracy.
• Process new hire payroll setup, employee status changes, wage changes, transfers, and terminations.
• Administer payroll deductions, including benefits, retirement contributions, garnishments, child support, tax levies, and voluntary deductions.
• Maintain employee payroll records and ensure data accuracy within the payroll system.
• Assist with payroll tax reporting, W-2 preparation, and year-end payroll activities.
• Reconcile payroll reports and assist with payroll-related general ledger reconciliations.
• Respond to employee and manager payroll inquiries and resolve payroll discrepancies promptly and professionally.
• Collaborate with Human Resources regarding leave administration, benefit deductions, and employee data changes.
• Ensure compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), federal and state wage and hour laws, and company policies.
• Prepare payroll reports and maintain payroll documentation for audits and record retention.
• Assist with payroll system testing, upgrades, and process improvements.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee payroll, compensation, and personal information.
• Cross-train within Payroll, Human Resources, and Accounting functions to support departmental operations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Two or more years of payroll processing or payroll administration experience preferred.
• Previous automotive dealership payroll experience is preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of payroll laws, payroll taxes, wage and hour regulations, and payroll best practices.
• Experience with payroll systems such as Paycor, ADP, UKG, Paycom, Workday, or similar HRIS/payroll platforms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

Core Competencies

• Payroll Administration
• Attention to Detail
• Accuracy
• Accountability
• Regulatory Compliance
• Confidentiality
• Customer Service
• Time Management
• Organization
• Problem Solving
• Communication
• Teamwork

Performance Expectations

The Payroll Generalist is expected to:

• Process payroll accurately and within established deadlines.
• Maintain accurate employee payroll records with minimal errors.
• Ensure compliance with all payroll laws, tax regulations, and company policies.
• Respond promptly to payroll inquiries and resolve issues professionally.
• Support payroll audits and year-end processing activities.
• Maintain confidentiality of payroll and employee information.
• Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Working Conditions

• Office environment with frequent use of computers, payroll software, and office equipment.
• Regular interaction with employees, managers, Human Resources, Accounting, payroll vendors, and government agencies.
• Occasional overtime may be required during payroll processing, month-end, quarter-end, year-end, and audit periods.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods.
• Frequent keyboard and computer use.
• Ability to occasionally stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 20 pounds.
• Visual ability to review payroll records, reports, spreadsheets, and computer screens for extended periods.