Payroll Specialist

Norsk Hydro; Cressona (PA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work in Cressona (3 days)

Competitive pay

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation & holidays

Wellness programs

Professional development

Safety & sustainability focus

Cross-functional collaboration

Job summary

Hydro is seeking a Payroll Specialist to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing for hourly and salaried employees across North America. You will work in a hybrid environment, collaborating with HR, Finance, and operations to support payroll compliance, reporting, and process improvements.

The role requires a minimum of 3 years of payroll experience, multi-state knowledge, and strong Excel skills. Hydro offers a competitive benefits package, development opportunities, and a values-driven

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of payroll experience.
• Experience processing payroll in a multi-state environment.
• Knowledge of U.S. payroll practices and regulations.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office 365.
• Ability to analyze payroll data, identify discrepancies, and resolve issues accurately.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to handle confidential employee and payroll information with discretion.
• Associate degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Support payroll operations for hourly and salaried employees across North America.
• Review timecard data and payroll reports for accuracy.
• Validate payroll calculations and payroll registers prior to processing.
• Maintain employee schedules, vacation plans, and timekeeping system data.
• Research and resolve payroll and timekeeping issues.
• Respond to employee questions regarding earnings, deductions, hours worked, and paycheck accuracy.
• Process bonus payments, profit sharing, retention bonuses, and other supplemental pay transactions.
• Coordinate payments to third-party vendors for employee deductions.
• Support supervisors and managers with timekeeping system questions and troubleshooting.
• Create and distribute payroll, earnings, attendance, and labor reports.
• Partner with HR, Finance, operations leaders, union representatives, and payroll vendors.
• Support payroll projects, testing activities, process improvements, and documentation updates.
• Maintain payroll controls and supporting audit readiness activities.

Skills

Payroll processing

Data analysis

Attention to detail

Customer service

Communication

Confidential data handling

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

CPP/FPC certification (preferred)

Tools

UKG

Kronos

SAP Payroll

SAP Timekeeping

Job description

Location: Cressona, PA, US, 17929 Career area: Human Resources Department: GBS HR North America Job Type: Permanent

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Hydro Extrusions is a world-leading aluminium extrusion business counting around 100 production sites in 40 countries and employing 20,000 people. Through our unique combination of local expertise, global network, and unmatched R&D capabilities, we can offer everything from standards profiles to advanced development and manufacturing for most industries. Since 1905, Hydro has turned natural resources into valuable products for people and businesses with focus on a safe and good workplace for our 30,000 employees in more than 140 locations.

What we offer you

At Hydro, we are committed to creating an environment where employees can grow, contribute, and make an impact. As a Payroll Specialist, you will play a critical role in ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing for employees across North America while working alongside experienced payroll, HR, and business professionals.

In this role, you will enjoy:

• A hybrid work environment with three days per week in our Cressona, PA location
• Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) savings plan with company match
• Paid vacation, holidays, and wellness programs
• Professional development and career growth opportunities within a global organization
• A stable, values-driven company with a strong commitment to safety, sustainability, and employee well-being
• The opportunity to work with colleagues across HR, Finance, Operations, and Payroll throughout North America

At Hydro, you'll have the chance to make a meaningful impact while building your career in a supportive and team-oriented environment.

What you will be doing

As a Payroll Specialist, you will support payroll operations for hourly and salaried employees across multiple North American locations. You will help ensure payroll activities are completed accurately, timely, and in compliance with company policies and applicable payroll regulations.

Key responsibilities include:

• Reviewing timecard data and payroll reports to ensure accuracy and compliance with company policies
• Validating payroll calculations and reviewing payroll registers prior to processing
• Maintaining employee schedules, vacation plans, and timekeeping system data
• Researching and resolving payroll and timekeeping issues while escalating complex matters as appropriate
• Responding to employee questions regarding earnings, deductions, hours worked, and paycheck accuracy
• Processing bonus payments, profit sharing, retention bonuses, and other supplemental pay transactions
• Coordinating payments to third-party vendors for employee deductions such as union dues and charitable contributions
• Supporting supervisors and managers with timekeeping system questions and troubleshooting
• Creating and distributing payroll, earnings, attendance, and labor reports
• Partnering closely with Human Resources, Finance, operations leaders, union representatives, and payroll vendors
• Supporting payroll projects, testing activities, process improvements, and documentation updates
• Maintaining payroll controls and supporting audit readiness activities

What will make you successful?

Successful candidates will bring a strong foundation in payroll operations, attention to detail, and a commitment to customer service.

Required qualifications include:

• Minimum of 3 years of payroll experience
• Experience processing payroll in a multi-state environment
• Knowledge of U.S. payroll practices and regulations
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office 365
• Ability to analyze payroll data, identify discrepancies, and resolve issues accurately
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing deadlines
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Ability to handle confidential employee and payroll information with discretion
• Associate degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience in a union manufacturing environment
• Experience with UKG, Kronos, SAP Payroll, SAP Timekeeping, or similar systems
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)
• Knowledge of Canadian payroll processes

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, accountable, collaborative, and committed to delivering accurate payroll services while continuously improving processes and supporting employees across the organization.

Equal opportunities

Hydro in North America is an Equal Opportunity Employer where all phases of employment are based strictly upon the qualifications of the individual as related to the work requirements of the position. This policy is applied without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, marital status or any other category protected by law. We strive to provide equal opportunities for all to contribute and succeed with us.

As part of our recruitment process, we may use job‑related assessments in selected roles.These tools help us better understand work‑related strengths and support a fair and consistent hiring process. Any assessment results are reviewed together with your experience, qualifications, and interviews, and are never used as the sole basis for hiring decisions.

Are you looking to make a real impact? For over a century, our people have been the driving force in solving some of the world's most pressing issues - and we hope you'll join us in solving the next century's. Whether you're working to close the loop at one of our recycling facilities or ensuring efficient renewable energy processes to decarbonize aluminium production, your contributions make an impact in our shared purpose of propelling our industries and the world into a greener future.

About Hydro

• Hydro is a leading aluminium and renewable energy company committed to a sustainable future
• Founded: 1905
• Number of employees: 32,000
• Company presence in around 40 countries worldwide

A key part of succeeding in this mission involves encouraging a collegial environment where our differencesare acknowledged as our greatest competitive advantage. Your diverse perspective makes us stronger. Ourglobal diversity, inclusion and belonging program enables us to cultivate a high-performing and inclusiveworkplace where everyone feels valued.

Your career journey is unique. We strive to provide you with the support needed to achieve your full potential.With our global reach, inclusive culture, and cutting-edge technology you'll have the opportunity to build acareer that aligns with your strengths and passions. Join our global community of over 30,000 people with apresence in 40 countries and united by the values of Care, Courage and Collaboration. At Hydro, you havethe chance to make a difference in the industries that matter. Explore our world and the heart of our operations.