Payroll Specialist

The Leona Group; Okemos (MI); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Employer-paid life insurance options

Short-term and long-term disability

401(k) and 401(k) Roth option

Paid time off, holidays

Employee assistance program

Professional development

Job summary

The Leona Group is seeking a detail‑oriented Payroll Specialist to manage payroll for exempt and non‑exempt staff across Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. The role emphasizes accuracy, compliance, and timely support for employees and school-based teams.

You will validate time data, audit payroll records, and coordinate with HR and vendors to ensure correct compensation. Strong communication and confidentiality are essential assets for this position.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of payroll, HR, or related admin experience.
• Experience with payroll processes, compliance, and reporting.
• Experience using automated payroll/HRIS systems (Paylocity preferred).
• Strong attention to detail with accurate data entry and reconciliation.
• Proficient in Google Workspace (Drive, Gmail, Sheets, Docs).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze and resolve routine payroll issues.
• Experience with time and attendance systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Process semi-monthly payroll by reviewing and entering time records, adjustments, and benefits into the HRIS/payroll system.
• Audit payroll data regularly to ensure accuracy of wages, deductions, and records.
• Generate payroll reports and perform quality control checks prior to submission.
• Perform manual payroll adjustments and special calculations as needed.
• Coordinate leave of absence processing with HR and Benefits for accurate pay and tracking.
• Research, analyze, and resolve payroll discrepancies quickly and professionally.
• Respond to employee and manager inquiries regarding payroll, deductions, and time reporting.
• Collaborate with HR, school staff, and vendors to ensure timely payroll processing.
• Assist with annual payroll activities, including tax reporting and reconciliations.
• Conduct periodic PTO audits and coordinate annual payouts as per policy.

Skills

Payroll knowledge

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Time management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college coursework preferred

Tools

Paylocity

Google Workspace

Job description

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of payroll for exempt and non-exempt employees across assigned schools in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. This is a dynamic, service-oriented position that requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, responsiveness, and a commitment to providing accurate and exceptional support to employees, school-based staff, and other stakeholders.

The Payroll Specialist manages a continuous and varied workload while maintaining a positive, solutions-focused approach. This position ensures payroll integrity through detailed review, validation, and auditing of time and attendance data, payroll records, and related HRIS entries. The Payroll Specialist researches and resolves payroll discrepancies, supports compliance with internal policies and applicable laws and regulations, and collaborates closely with HR/Payroll and other corporate team members, school-based staff, and external vendors to ensure accurate and timely employee compensation.

Essential Functions

• Process semi-monthly payroll by reviewing, validating, and entering employee time records, adjustments, and benefit time into the HRIS/payroll system.
• Audit payroll data regularly and on an as-needed basis to ensure accuracy of wages, deductions, coding, and employee records.
• Generate payroll reports and perform quality control checks to verify data integrity prior to payroll submission.
• Perform manual payroll adjustments and special calculations as needed.
• Coordinate leave of absence processing with Human Resources and Benefits to ensure accurate pay and benefit tracking.
• Research, analyze, and resolve payroll discrepancies in a timely and professional manner.
• Respond promptly and professionally to employee and manager inquiries related to payroll, deductions, and time reporting.
• Collaborate with HR and other corporate staff, school-based personnel, and external vendors to ensure accurate and timely processing of payroll-related transactions.
• Respond to employment verification requests and other payroll-related inquiries.
• Assist with annual payroll activities, including tax reporting, reconciliations, and other recurring compliance requirements.
• Conduct periodic audits of paid time off balances and coordinate annual payouts in accordance with policy.
• Support mandated reporting requirements, including but not limited to SERS, STRS, PERF, TRF, EEO-1, and other applicable filings.
• Maintain accurate and organized payroll records in compliance with records retention policies, including preparation for archiving and destruction.
• Develop and maintain documentation and audit trails for payroll processes and adjustments.
• Assist with payroll reconciliations and financial reporting support as assigned.
• Maintain current knowledge of payroll laws, regulations, systems, and best practices.
• Support Human Resources departmental functions as needed and perform general administrative and clerical duties.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of employee data and ensure appropriate safeguarding of sensitive information at all times.

Requirements

• Minimum of two (2) years of payroll, HR, or related administrative experience.
• Working knowledge of payroll processes, practices, and compliance requirements.
• Experience in a school or education-based environment preferred but not required.
• Experience using automated payroll/HRIS systems (Paylocity preferred).
• Strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy in data entry and reconciliation.
• Knowledge and proficiency in Google Workspace (Drive, Gmail, Sheets, Docs, etc.).
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and professionally with employees, administrators, and external partners.
• Ability to analyze and resolve routine payroll issues independently or collaboratively.
• Basic office and clerical skills, including filing, document management, and use of standard office equipment.
• Experience with time and attendance systems preferred.
• Experience processing wage garnishments, child support orders, and other involuntary deductions.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; some college coursework preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.

Benefits

The Leona Group offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, which may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance options
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage (where applicable)
• 401(k) and 401(k) Roth option Retirement Plan with Employer contribution
• Paid time off (PTO), vacation, and paid holidays
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Additional voluntary benefits as offered

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

The Leona Group is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity and promotes equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants.