Payroll Specialist - East Lansing Area

the-pivot-group-careers; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 49,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in East Lansing, MI is seeking a skilled Payroll Specialist to support multi-state payroll and ensure payroll tax compliance for manufacturing clients.

You'll reconcile payroll data, administer timekeeping systems, and collaborate with HR on benefits and data changes, handling hourly and salaried staff with accuracy.

Location is on-site in East Lansing, with focus on accuracy, compliance, and timely payroll processing to support workforce needs.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience processing payroll for a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations (FLSA, multi-state).
• Proficient with payroll software (ADP, Workday, Paychex) and timekeeping systems.
• Experience with hourly and salaried employees, including overtime calculations.
• Analytical skills to reconcile payroll data and resolve discrepancies.

Responsibilities

• Process multi-state payroll for hourly and salaried staff.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
• Reconcile payroll data and general ledger accounts.
• Administer timekeeping systems and respond to payroll inquiries.
• Prepare and submit payroll tax filings and year-end reports.

Skills

Payroll processing

Multi-state payroll

Payroll software ADP

Payroll software Workday

Payroll software Paychex

Timekeeping systems

Data analysis

Tools

ADP

Workday

Paychex

Job description

Payroll Specialist | East Lansing, MI

Salary Range: $49,000 - $76,000 depending on experience

Are you a detail-oriented professional with a passion for excelling in payroll specialist? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career advancement. We are collaborating with leading companies in East Lansing seeking experienced Payroll Specialists.

We are building our network of talent in this field across West Michigan and the broader manufacturing region Pivot Group Network serves. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

The Opportunity

We are working with companies in East Lansing that are adding Payroll Specialists to their teams. These organizations value quality over speed in hiring. By connecting with us, you position yourself for opportunities that align with what you're looking for.

Key Responsibilities

• Process multi-state payroll for both hourly and salaried employees.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations.
• Reconcile payroll data and general ledger accounts.
• Administer timekeeping systems and resolve employee payroll inquiries.
• Prepare and submit payroll tax filings and year-end reports.
• Collaborate with HR on benefits administration and employee data changes.

Recommended Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience processing payroll for a manufacturing company with 200+ employees.
• Proven understanding of federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including FLSA and multi-state tax laws.
• Proficient in payroll software (e.g., ADP, Workday, Paychex) and timekeeping systems.
• Experience with payroll for both hourly and salaried employees, including shift differentials and overtime calculations.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to reconcile payroll data and resolve discrepancies.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with HRIS implementation or optimization projects
• Certifications like FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification) or CPP (Certified Payroll Professional)
• Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and macros for data analysis and reporting
• Familiarity with time and attendance systems specific to manufacturing environments (e.g., Kronos, ADP Workforce Now)
• Knowledge of multi-state payroll regulations and international payroll processing

Job Titles That Should Apply

Payroll Specialist, Payroll Administrator, Payroll Coordinator, Payroll Clerk, Payroll Assistant, Payroll Analyst, Senior Payroll Specialist, Payroll Manager, HR & Payroll Specialist, Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network was founded by manufacturing professionals who've been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic—they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory. Learn more at https://www.thepivotgroup.org.