Payroll Specialist

Transcendia, Inc.; Park Ridge (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Transcendia, Inc. in Park Ridge, IL is seeking a Payroll Specialist to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing for US and Canada, maintain data in the HRIS, and provide workforce reporting and analytics.

This role partners with HR, Finance, Benefits and external vendors to support payroll, lifecycle transactions, audits, and continuous improvement of payroll and HRIS processes. You will work closely with Human Resources, Finance, Benefits and external vendors to ensure payroll accuracy,

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of payroll administration experience
• Canada payroll experience preferred
• CPP certification preferred
• Experience administering HRIS/payroll systems
• Experience producing complex reports and workforce analytics

Responsibilities

• Process biweekly payroll for US and Canada accurately and on schedule
• Maintain payroll records and ensure pay data is current and accurate
• Audit payroll transactions including new hires, terminations, pay rate changes, promotions, bonuses and leave adjustments
• Review payroll registers and reconcile discrepancies before transmission
• Process off-cycle payrolls, manual checks, and payroll corrections as needed
• Administer wage garnishments, tax levies, and other court-ordered deductions
• Manage year-end payroll activities including W-2 preparation and reconciliation
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries promptly
• Serve as HRIS administrator and maintain employee data
• Develop, maintain and distribute payroll and workforce reports
• Support audits and compliance activities
• Partner with Total Rewards on compensation and HR operations initiatives
• Participate in HR technology projects and process improvements

Skills

Payroll regulations awareness

Analytical skills

Data management

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Customer service

Education

High School diploma

Assoc./Bachelors in HR/Business/Accounting

Tools

ADP Workforce Now

Job description

Transcendia is a leader in custom engineered materials for critical product components in a wide range of markets and applications. The company provides deep material science expertise, outstanding customer service through broad geographic coverage and trusted product reliability.

Job Summary

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll, administration of payroll-related compliance activities, maintenance of employee data within the HRIS, and delivery of workforce reporting and analytics. This position serves as a key operational partner within the Total Rewards function, ensuring payroll accuracy, data integrity, regulatory compliance, and effective use of HR technology systems.

The Payroll Specialist works closely with Human Resources, Finance, Benefits, and external vendors to support payroll processing, employee lifecycle transactions, reporting needs, audits, and continuous improvement of payroll and HRIS processes.

Essential Job Duties

Payroll Administration

• Process biweekly payroll for US and Canada accurately and on schedule.
• Maintain payroll records and ensure employee pay data is current and accurate.
• Audit payroll transactions including:
• New hires
• Terminations
• Pay rate changes
• Promotions
• Bonuses and incentive payments
• Leave of absence adjustments
• Benefit deductions
• Review payroll registers and reconcile payroll discrepancies before transmission.
• Process off-cycle payrolls, manual checks, and payroll corrections as required.
• Manages payroll funding and payroll transmission activities with payroll providers and Finance.
• Administer wage garnishments, tax levies, child support orders, and other court-ordered deductions.
• Manage year-end payroll activities, including W-2 preparation and reconciliation.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries and resolve issues in a timely and professional manner.

Payroll Compliance and Auditing

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations.
• Maintain payroll records in accordance with record retention requirements.
• Support internal and external audits related to payroll, compensation, and employee data.
• Review payroll reports for potential compliance issues and identify discrepancies requiring correction.
• Monitor changes in payroll regulations and recommend process updates as needed.
• Manages quarterly and annual payroll tax reporting and reconciliations.

HRIS Administration and System Management

• Serve as a primary administrator or super-user for HRIS and payroll systems.
• Maintain employee records and organizational data within HRIS platforms.
• Manage, configure and test system changes, workflows, security roles, and business process updates.
• Support implementation of HRIS enhancements, upgrades, and new system functionality.
• Manage and consistently monitor data imports, exports, interfaces, and integrations between payroll, benefits, timekeeping, and other HR systems.
• Troubleshoot system issues and coordinate resolution with vendors, IT, and HR team members.
• Conduct system audits to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and compliance.
• Maintain documentation for system processes, workflows, and operating procedures.
• Participate in HR technology projects and process improvement initiatives.

Reporting and Workforce Analytics

• Develop, maintain, analyze and distribute recurring HR, payroll, and workforce reports.
• Generate ad hoc reports and analyses for HR leadership, Finance, and business leaders.
• Produce reports related to:
• Headcount
• Employee demographics
• Turnover
• Vacancy tracking
• Compensation trends
• Overtime usage
• Payroll costs
• Benefits enrollment
• Create dashboards and reporting tools to improve access to workforce data.
• Ensure accuracy, consistency, and confidentiality of employee information and reporting outputs.
• Assist with annual compensation planning, salary surveys, and Total Rewards reporting.

Human Resources Support

• Support employee onboarding and offboarding processes through data entry and system administration.
• Assist with benefit deduction validations.
• Partner with the Director, Total Rewards on compensation, payroll, and HR operations initiatives.
• Provide support for organizational changes, restructures, and workforce transactions.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee and organizational information.

Process Improvement and Operational Excellence

• Identify opportunities to improve payroll and HR administrative processes.
• Recommend automation solutions to reduce manual work and improve accuracy.
• Document standard operating procedures and maintain current process documentation.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts focused on employee experience, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of payroll practices and regulations
• Understanding of wage and hour laws and payroll tax requirements
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Advanced reporting and data management capabilities
• Ability to work with highly confidential information
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to prioritize work and meet critical payroll deadlines
• Customer service orientation with a commitment to employee support
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Education And Experience

• High School diploma required, Associate or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting or a related field preferred;
• 3-5+ years of payroll administration experience required
• Canadian payroll administration experience preferred
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification preferred
• Experience administering HRIS and payroll systems, preferably in ADP Workforce Now
• Experience producing complex reports and workforce analytics
• Experience working with payroll vendors and third-party service providers
• Experience supporting audits and compliance activities

Transcendia is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all candidates for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.