Payroll Processing Specialist

Brookdale; Milwaukee (WI); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Brookdale in Milwaukee, WI is seeking a payroll specialist for a hybrid role. You will oversee payroll processing for all associates, ensuring accurate hours and timely payments while maintaining payroll systems and controls.

The position requires 3–5 years of high‑volume payroll experience, a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree, and familiarity with PeopleSoft or ADP. CPP is preferred, with strong organizational and analytical skills to meet deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree required; 3–5 years of high‑volume payroll experience
• CPP preferred or equivalent certification

Responsibilities

• Oversee payroll processing for all associates ensuring accurate hours and wages
• Process ADP and bank file transfers
• Obtain validation and approval for off‑cycle checks and payroll adjustments
• Conduct weekly audits of payroll files
• Develop and run HR/Payroll system queries and verify data integrity
• Process pay period adjustments, bonuses, PTO, and other manual entries as needed
• Provide training and support on time and attendance systems as required
• Assist in identifying workflow improvements and process changes

Skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Multi-tasking

Attention to deadlines

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree (business or accounting)

Associate’s degree

Tools

PeopleSoft

ADP

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

Job Description

This is a hybrid position. The role involves payroll processing for all associates, ensuring accurate and timely payments, and maintaining payroll systems and controls.

Benefits Eligibility

Part‑Time and Full‑Time Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discounts
• Referral program
• Early access to earned wages for hourly associates (outside of CA)
• Optional voluntary benefits including ID theft protection and pet insurance

Full‑Time Only Benefits

• Paid Time Off
• Paid holidays
• Company‑provided life insurance
• Adoption benefit
• Disability (short and long term)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account
• Optional life and dependent life insurance
• Optional voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity insurance, and legal plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Base pay will be determined by applicant’s skills and experience. Temporary associates are not benefits eligible but may participate in the company’s 401(k) program.

Veterans, transitioning active duty military personnel, and military spouses are encouraged to apply. The company may cover naturalization application fees up to $725 for qualified associates with at least one year of employment.

The application window is expected to close within 30 days of the posting date.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and complete payroll processing for all associates, ensuring hours and wages are accurate and timely.
• Complete ADP and bank file transfers.
• Obtain validation and approval for off‑cycle checks and payroll adjustments.
• Complete weekly audits of payroll files.
• Develop, modify, and run HR/Payroll system queries or interfaces and verify accuracy and integrity of data before distribution.
• Execute weekly HR/Payroll system calculation processes, queries, and interfaces.
• Perform pay period audit of selected criteria to ensure accuracy and thoroughness of hours in the time and attendance system.
• Follow up with associates to clarify or obtain necessary information.
• Review system‑calculated wages, taxes, and deductions for correctness each pay period.
• Transmit payroll files to third‑party vendors for print processing and oversee bank file transfer activities.
• Work with Internal Audit to ensure all payroll controls are properly followed and met.
• Assist in the completion and submission of wage verifications.
• Assist in processing and entering direct deposit information.
• Process manual checks in accordance with company policies.
• Enter current and/or prior pay period adjustments, bonuses, PTO requests, short‑term disability payments or other manual adjustments in the HR/Payroll system.
• Provide support and individualized training to associates on the manual or automated time and attendance system as needed.
• Assist management in identifying workflow processes and procedures improvements, recommending changes as needed.
• Process and enter garnishment orders in the HR/Payroll system.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in business, accounting, or a related field and 3 to 5 years of high‑volume payroll experience; or equivalent education and experience.

Must possess organizational and analytical skills and ability to handle multi‑tasking and work under pressure to meet deadlines. PeopleSoft experience preferred but not required. CPP preferred.

Certifications and Licenses

CPP preferred.

Management/Decision‑Making

Makes standard and routine decisions based on detailed guidelines with limited independent judgment. Problems are generally solved with clear detailed guidelines or reported to a supervisor.

Knowledge and Skills

Basic technical skills for repetitive duties; understanding of payroll concepts including calculations of rates, ratios, percentages, discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages. Working knowledge of web‑based applications, Microsoft Windows, Outlook, Excel, and Word. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, technical procedures, or regulatory documents. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the public.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Standing
• Walking
• Sitting
• Use hands and fingers to handle or feel
• Reach with hands and arms
• Talk or hear
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds

Brookdale is an equal‑opportunity employer and a drug‑free workplace.