Strategic Payroll Specialist: Compliance & Growth

Vulcan-Elements; Benson (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Vulcan Elements, a manufacturer of American rare-earth permanent magnets, seeks a Payroll Specialist to manage accurate, timely payroll processing for employees across sites including Durham and Benson, NC.

You will handle wages, overtime, deductions, and tax withholdings in line with federal, state, and local regulations, while maintaining payroll records and supporting inquiries from staff. This role moves with the growth of the company and requires strong systems knowledge and discretion.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent work experience)
• 3+ years of experience processing payroll, preferably in a multi-state or high-volume environment
• Hands-on experience with payroll software (ADP, Rippling, QuickBooks Payroll, or similar)
• Working knowledge of wage and hour laws, tax withholding requirements, and garnishment procedures
• Experience with payroll tax filings and general ledger reconciliation preferred
• Strong proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets for reconciliation and reporting
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Strong communication skills to resolve employee payroll questions clearly and professionally

Responsibilities

• Verify timesheets approved by managers to confirm hours worked
• Calculate wages, overtime, and bonuses per policy and labor laws
• Process payroll using ADP, Rippling, or QuickBooks Payroll
• Enter and maintain data related to benefits deductions, tax withholdings, and direct deposits
• Confirm accuracy of new hires and assist with terminations for final paychecks
• Maintain audit-ready payroll records and compensation history
• Resolve payroll discrepancies and inquiries timely and professionally
• Ensure compliance with wage, hour, and payroll tax laws across states
• Process wage garnishments and tax levies accurately and confidentially
• Prepare and file payroll tax reports (Form 941, SUI, W-2s, 1099s) and reconcile liabilities
• Reconcile payroll data with GL and support month-end close
• Collaborate with People Partner to track PTO and leave accruals
• Support payroll system upgrades, integrations, and audits
• Generate payroll reports for management to aid budgeting and workforce decisions

Skills

Payroll processing

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

ADP

Rippling

QuickBooks Payroll

Excel/Google Sheets

Job description

Vulcan Elements, a manufacturer of American rare-earth permanent magnets, seeks a Payroll Specialist to manage accurate, timely payroll processing for employees across sites including Durham and Benson, NC.

You will handle wages, overtime, deductions, and tax withholdings in line with federal, state, and local regulations, while maintaining payroll records and supporting inquiries from staff. This role moves with the growth of the company and requires strong systems knowledge and discretion.