Payroll Specialist - Manistee Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Michigan; On-site; USD 47,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Manistee, MI is seeking a Payroll Specialist to manage bi-weekly payroll for manufacturing staff, ensuring accuracy and compliance with federal, state, and local tax rules.

Ideal candidates have 3-5 years of payroll experience in high-volume environments and expertise with ADP, Workday or UKG, plus ERP reconciliation to the general ledger. This role offers growth within West Michigan's manufacturing sector.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience processing payroll for a manufacturing or similar industrial environment with a high volume of hourly employees.
• Proven expertise in payroll software (e.g., ADP, Workday, UKG) and timekeeping systems specific to manufacturing operations.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, particularly those impacting manufacturing shift differentials and overtime.
• Demonstrated ability to accurately calculate wages, deductions, and withholdings, including complex pay structures common in manufacturing.
• Experience with payroll reconciliation and general ledger integration within an ERP system.

Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly payroll for all manufacturing employees, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Maintain employee payroll records, including new hires, terminations, and changes in pay rates or deductions.
• Calculate and submit payroll taxes, including federal, state, and local requirements.
• Reconcile payroll data to general ledger accounts and resolve any discrepancies.
• Administer and process all garnishments, child support, and other involuntary deductions.
• Prepare and distribute W-2 forms annually and handle any related inquiries.
• Collaborate with HR to ensure accurate timekeeping and leave management.

Skills

Payroll processing

ADP

Workday

UKG

Timekeeping systems

Payroll taxes

ERP reconciliation

Tools

ADP

Workday

UKG

Job description

Payroll Specialist | Manistee, MI

Salary Range: $47,000 - $72,000 depending on experience

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for excelling in payroll specialist? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to building meaningful connections and supporting community growth. We are collaborating with leading companies in Manistee seeking experienced Payroll Specialists to drive results.

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 collaborating with manufacturing firms in Manistee that are seeking skilled Payroll Specialists. These organizations are dedicated to maintaining high standards and are looking for professionals who can contribute effectively. By joining our network, you position yourself for opportunities aligned with your career goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly payroll for all manufacturing employees, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Maintain employee payroll records, including new hires, terminations, and changes in pay rates or deductions.
• Calculate and submit payroll taxes, including federal, state, and local requirements.
• Reconcile payroll data to general ledger accounts and resolve any discrepancies.
• Administer and process all garnishments, child support, and other involuntary deductions.
• Prepare and distribute W-2 forms annually and handle any related inquiries.
• Collaborate with HR to ensure accurate timekeeping and leave management.

Recommended Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience processing payroll for a manufacturing or similar industrial environment with a high volume of hourly employees.
• Proven expertise in payroll software (e.g., ADP, Workday, UKG) and timekeeping systems specific to manufacturing operations.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, particularly those impacting manufacturing shift differentials and overtime.
• Demonstrated ability to accurately calculate wages, deductions, and withholdings, including complex pay structures common in manufacturing.
• Experience with payroll reconciliation and general ledger integration within an ERP system.

Bonus Qualifications

• Additional certifications or training

Job Titles That Should Apply

Payroll Specialist, Payroll Administrator, Payroll Coordinator, Payroll Clerk, Payroll Associate, Payroll Analyst, Human Resources and Payroll Specialist, Senior Payroll Specialist, Payroll Processor, Payroll Representative

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.