Payroll Specialist

Cibo Vita; Totowa (NJ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company in Totowa is seeking a Payroll Specialist to manage weekly payroll for hourly employees. This role involves ensuring payroll accuracy and compliance, while also streamlining processes. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree, at least 3 years of payroll experience, and proficiency in Paychex. Strong Excel skills are required, and bilingual candidates in English and Spanish are preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years of payroll experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

Responsibilities

• Process and verify weekly payroll for all hourly employees across multiple departments.
• Review and approve employee timecards for accuracy.
• Maintain employee data within payroll and HRIS systems.

Skills

Strong understanding of payroll principles

Proficiency in Paychex or other payroll systems

Advanced Excel skills

Excellent organizational skills

Bilingual in English and Spanish

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or Human Resources

Job description

Overview

Cibo Vita, a leading food manufacturing company specializing in trail mixes, is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Payroll Specialist to manage the company’s weekly payroll process for all hourly employees. This role is responsible for ensuring payroll accuracy, timeliness, and compliance, while also helping to streamline and automate payroll workflows to reduce manual process

Payroll Management

• Process and verify weekly payroll for all hourly employees across multiple departments and locations.
• Review and approve employee timecards, ensuring accuracy in hours worked, overtime, and pay rates.
• Prepare and validate payroll data, deductions, and adjustments prior to submission.
• Handle off-cycle payments, pay corrections, and retroactive adjustments when necessary.

Automation & Process Improvement

• Identify manual payroll tasks that can be automated to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Develop templates, checklists, and audit tools to minimize errors and streamline recurring payroll processes.

Data Management & Reporting

• Maintain employee data within the payroll and HRIS systems, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
• Prepare weekly payroll summaries and reports for HR and Finance leadership.
• Conduct periodic audits to ensure compliance with wage and hour laws and internal policies.

Compliance & Support

• Ensure payroll practices comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Maintain proper documentation of all payroll transactions and approvals.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee payroll inquiries, ensuring prompt and professional communication.

Collaboration & HR Support

• Coordinate with HR on employee onboarding, terminations, and changes that affect payroll.
• Support HR projects related to timekeeping, attendance tracking, and data consistency.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or Human Resources preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 3+ years of payroll experience (manufacturing environment preferred).
• Skills:
• Strong understanding of payroll principles, wage and hour laws, and tax regulations.
• Proficiency in Paychex or other payroll systems.
• Advanced Excel skills (formulas, pivot tables, and data validation).
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.