Payroll Specialist - Portage Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Portage (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Portage, MI is recruiting a Payroll Specialist to join manufacturing-focused teams. You will process multi-state payroll for hourly and salaried staff, ensuring accuracy and compliance across federal, state, and local regulations.

This role emphasizes data reconciliation, timekeeping integration (Kronos preferred), and handling garnishments and benefits deductions, with W-2 year-end filings.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience processing payroll for 500+ employees in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with ADP Workforce Now or similar large-scale payroll systems.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including multi-state payroll.
• Experience with timekeeping systems and their integration with payroll, preferably Kronos.
• Strong understanding of wage and hour laws in manufacturing (shift differentials, overtime).

Responsibilities

• Process multi-state payroll for both hourly and salaried employees.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations.
• Reconcile payroll data and general ledger accounts.
• Manage timekeeping system and resolve employee payroll inquiries.
• Prepare and submit payroll tax filings and year-end reports (W-2s).
• Administer garnishments, benefits deductions, and other payroll-related adjustments.

Skills

Payroll processing

Multi-state payroll

ADP Workforce Now

Kronos

Wage and hour laws

Tools

ADP Workforce Now

Kronos

Job description

Payroll Specialist | Portage, MI

Salary Range: $52,000 - $79,000 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 Portage 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 partner with manufacturers across Portage seeking Payroll Specialists who want more than a lateral move. These companies hire intentionally, and we connect them with professionals ready for roles that fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Process multi-state payroll for both hourly and salaried employees.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations.
• Reconcile payroll data and general ledger accounts.
• Manage timekeeping system and resolve employee payroll inquiries.
• Prepare and submit payroll tax filings and year-end reports (W-2s).
• Administer garnishments, benefits deductions, and other payroll-related adjustments.

Recommended Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience processing payroll for 500+ employees in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency with ADP Workforce Now or similar large-scale payroll system.
• In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, including multi-state payroll.
• Experience with timekeeping systems and their integration with payroll, preferably Kronos.
• Strong understanding of wage and hour laws, including those specific to manufacturing (e.g., shift differentials, overtime calculations).

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with a major ERP system (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Workday) for payroll processing.
• Certification such as Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).
• Familiarity with time and attendance systems commonly used in manufacturing environments (e.g., Kronos, ADP eTime).
• Experience with multi-state payroll processing and associated tax regulations.
• Knowledge of union contracts and collective bargaining agreements as they pertain to payroll.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Payroll Specialist, Payroll Administrator, Payroll Coordinator, Payroll Clerk, Payroll Assistant, Payroll Technician, HR & Payroll Specialist, Payroll & Benefits Specialist, Senior Payroll Specialist, Lead Payroll 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.