Payroll Manager

AQUARIUS; Olde West Chester (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

AQUARIUS in the Cincinnati area is seeking a Payroll Specialist/Manager to oversee the weekly payroll for about 800 employees using UKG Ready. The role covers hourly and salaried staff across multiple states, ensuring accuracy and on-time processing.

You will maintain payroll records, manage deductions and taxes, resolve discrepancies, prepare year-end tasks (W-2), and collaborate with HR to keep data current while pursuing process improvements.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or equivalent experience required.
• 3–5 years of multi-state payroll processing experience.
• Experience with UKG Ready or similar HCM system.
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws and tax compliance.
• Ability to handle large employee populations and multi-state payroll.

Responsibilities

• Manage weekly payroll for ~800 employees using UKG Ready.
• Process payroll for hourly and salaried staff across multiple states.
• Audit and validate timecards before payroll submission.
• Maintain payroll records and handle deductions and taxes.
• Prepare year-end tasks and W-2 reconciliation.
• Generate payroll reports for audits and management requests.

Skills

Multi-state payroll processing

UKG Ready experience

Payroll accuracy

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Excel proficiency

Time management

Education

Associate's degree in Accounting/Finance/HR/Business Administration

Tools

UKG Ready

Job description

Are you a dedicated Payroll Specialist looking to join a reputable organization based in the Cincinnati area?

What you will be doing as the Payroll Specialist/Manager:

• Manage the complete weekly payroll process for approximately 800 employees using UKG Ready.
• Process payroll for both hourly (650) and salaried (150) employees.
• Review, audit, and validate employee timecards from electronic time clocks to ensure accuracy before payroll processing.
• Ensure payroll is processed accurately and on schedule each week.
• Maintain employee payroll records, including new hires, terminations, promotions, pay rate changes, deductions, garnishments, and tax withholding updates.
• Verify payroll calculations, including regular hours, overtime, shift differentials, bonuses, and other earnings as applicable.
• Administer payroll in compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws.
• Process payroll for employees located in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Tennessee, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Florida.
• Ensure compliance with state-specific payroll tax requirements and wage regulations.
• Coordinate payroll tax reporting and work with internal or external partners to resolve payroll tax issues.
• Process wage garnishments, child support orders, tax levies, and other required deductions.
• Reconcile payroll reports and identify discrepancies before final payroll submission.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries regarding paychecks, taxes, deductions, direct deposits, and timekeeping.
• Partner with Human Resources to ensure employee information is accurately maintained within UKG Ready.
• Generate payroll reports and provide payroll data for audits, financial reporting, and management requests.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee payroll information.
• Assist with year-end payroll activities, including W-2 preparation and reconciliation.
• Recommend process improvements that increase payroll accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
• Maintain knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and UKG Ready system enhancements.

What you will need as the Payroll Specialist/Manager:

• Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 3-5 years of multi-state payroll processing experience.
• Experience processing payroll for large employee populations (500+ employees preferred).
• Experience using UKG Ready (formerly Kronos Workforce Ready) or similar Human Capital Management (HCM) system.
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws, wage and hour regulations, payroll taxes, and compliance requirements.
• Experience processing payroll for hourly and salaried employees.
• Strong understanding of electronic timekeeping systems.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.