Payroll Specialist - Traverse City Area

the-pivot-group-careers; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 53,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network in Traverse City, MI is seeking a Payroll Specialist to manage multi-state payroll for hourly and salaried staff. You will ensure tax compliance, reconcile payroll data to the general ledger, and handle timekeeping with accurate benefit deductions.

The role supports audits and management reporting. Ideal candidates will have 3–5 years of manufacturing payroll experience and fluency with ADP/Workday/UKG, GAAP, and month-end close processes.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience processing multi-state payroll for 500+ employees, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency with payroll software (e.g., ADP, Workday, UKG) and timekeeping systems.
• Strong understanding of federal and state payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and GAAP.
• Experience with payroll reconciliation, month-end close processes, and general ledger postings.

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.
• Manage timekeeping system and resolve discrepancies.
• Administer and track employee benefits deductions.
• Prepare and submit payroll reports for management and audits.

Skills

Multi-state payroll

Payroll software

Tax compliance

GL reconciliation

Timekeeping management

Benefits deductions

Tools

ADP

Workday

UKG Pro

Job description

Payroll Specialist | Traverse City, MI

Salary Range: $53,000 - $80,000 depending on experience

Are you a skilled professional 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 in the manufacturing community. We are collaborating with companies in Traverse City 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 collaborating with manufacturing firms in Traverse City 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 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.
• Manage timekeeping system and resolve discrepancies.
• Administer and track employee benefits deductions.
• Prepare and submit payroll reports for management and audits.

Recommended Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience processing multi-state payroll for 500+ employees, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency with payroll software (e.g., ADP, Workday, UKG) and timekeeping systems.
• Strong understanding of federal and state payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and generally accepted accounting principles.
• Experience with payroll reconciliation, month-end close processes, and general ledger postings.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and record-keeping.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with UltiPro (UKG Pro) HRIS.
• Knowledge of Canadian payroll regulations and tax laws.
• Familiarity with union collective bargaining agreements and their impact on payroll.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables and VLOOKUPs.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Payroll Specialist, Payroll Administrator, Payroll Coordinator, Payroll Manager, Payroll Analyst, HR & Payroll Specialist, Payroll & Benefits Specialist, Senior Payroll Specialist, Payroll Lead

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.