Payroll Specialist — Accurate, On-Time Pay & Compliance

The Leona Group; Michigan; On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Life insurance

Disability coverage

401(k) plan

PTO & holidays

EAP

Job summary

The Leona Group is seeking a Payroll Specialist to accurately process payroll for exempt and non-exempt staff across Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. This position emphasizes timely, compliant payroll, data validation in HRIS, and strong attention to detail to support employees and school staff.

You will audit time and attendance, resolve discrepancies, run payroll reports, coordinate with HR/Benefits, and maintain confidential records while staying current on payroll laws and regulations.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Attention to detail

Time & attendance systems

Payroll processing

Data entry & reconciliation

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Confidentiality

Education

High school diploma

Some college coursework

Tools

Paylocity

Job description

The Leona Group is seeking a Payroll Specialist to accurately process payroll for exempt and non-exempt staff across Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. This position emphasizes timely, compliant payroll, data validation in HRIS, and strong attention to detail to support employees and school staff.

You will audit time and attendance, resolve discrepancies, run payroll reports, coordinate with HR/Benefits, and maintain confidential records while staying current on payroll laws and regulations.