Payroll Specialist - Rockford Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Rockford (MI); On-site; USD 48,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Rockford, MI is seeking a Payroll Specialist to manage bi-weekly payroll for manufacturing staff, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. You will maintain records for new hires, terminations, wage changes and deductions.

The role offers exposure to multi-state payroll, federal/state/local taxes, and benefits administration, with opportunities to work with a network of West Michigan manufacturing partners.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of payroll processing in manufacturing or industrial environments with 500+ employees.
• Experience with multi-state payroll and complex tax regulations.
• Knowledge of wage and hour laws (FLSA and state overtime rules) and payroll reconciliation.

Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly payroll for manufacturing employees accurately and on time.
• Maintain payroll records including new hires, terminations, wage changes, deductions.
• Calculate and remit payroll taxes (federal, state, local).
• Administer and reconcile benefits deductions (health, 401k).
• Prepare payroll reports for internal/external stakeholders.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries.
• Ensure compliance with payroll laws and regulations.

Skills

Payroll processing

Multi-state payroll

Wage and hour laws

Payroll software

Data reconciliation

Tools

ADP

Workday

SAP

Timekeeping systems

Job description

Payroll Specialist | Rockford, MI

Salary Range: $48,000 - $74,000 depending on experience

Are you ready to take on a challenging and rewarding opportunity in {{role_field}}? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to building meaningful connections in manufacturing. We partner with leading companies in Rockford seeking 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 collaborating with multiple companies in Rockford seeking experienced Payroll Specialists. These organizations value long-term fit and are looking for professionals who bring both skill and alignment. By joining our network, you gain access to opportunities tailored to your goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly payroll for all manufacturing employees, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Maintain employee payroll records, including new hires, terminations, wage changes, and deductions.
• Calculate and process all payroll-related taxes, including federal, state, and local.
• Administer and reconcile employee benefits deductions, such as health insurance and 401k.
• Prepare and submit required payroll reports to internal and external stakeholders.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll, deductions, and tax-related matters.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations.

Recommended Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience processing payroll for a manufacturing or industrial environment with over 500 employees.
• Proven expertise in multi-state payroll processing and associated tax regulations.
• Strong understanding of wage and hour laws, including FLSA and state-specific manufacturing overtime rules.
• Proficiency with payroll software (e.g., ADP, Workday, SAP) and timekeeping systems.
• Demonstrated ability to reconcile payroll data and general ledger accounts accurately.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with HRIS implementation or optimization
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification
• Familiarity with union contracts and their impact on payroll
• Advanced Excel skills, including macros and complex formulas
• Experience with time and attendance systems in a manufacturing setting

Job Titles That Should Apply

Payroll Specialist, Payroll Administrator, Payroll Coordinator, Payroll Clerk, Payroll Assistant, Payroll Technician, Payroll Analyst, Senior Payroll Specialist, Payroll Processor, Human Resources 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. Learn more at https://www.thepivotgroup.org.

The Pivot Group Network offers resources to support your search—market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we'll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.