Payroll Assistant

Payroll Assistant

General description: The Payroll Assistant role is a full-time position that is responsible for directly supporting and assisting with all aspects of Payroll processing and related recordkeeping and administrative responsibilities as a member of the Finance team.

The Payroll Assistant must be able to apply critical thinking skills while operating in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and executing relevant duties in an independent, professional, and timely manner, including the ability to prioritize work assignments while working with others internally and externally in a professional and productive manner including employees and vendors, is essential.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Payroll Processing Assistance:

• • Assist with the accurate and timely processing of payroll for employees, ensuring all paychecks are issued according to schedule.
  • Verify employee hours, overtime, and attendance records to ensure accurate payroll calculations.
  • Assist with data entry for new hires, terminations, salary changes, and other payroll-related updates.

Compliance & Reporting:

• • Ensure payroll processing complies with company policies and applicable laws, including federal, state, and local tax regulations.
  • Assist in preparing and filing quarterly and annual payroll tax returns (e.g., Form 941, state tax filings).
  • Help in maintaining proper documentation for audits and regulatory requirements.

Employee Inquiries & Support:

• • Act as a point of contact for employee payroll inquiries, including pay discrepancies, deductions, and other payroll-related issues.
  • Assist employees with accessing and understanding their pay stubs, benefits deductions, and taxes.

Data Management:

• • Maintain accurate employee payroll records, including salary data, tax information, benefits contributions, and time-off balances.
  • Help with updating and maintaining payroll system data, ensuring all records are correct and up to date.

Reporting & Payroll Documentation:

• • Assist in generating payroll reports for management, including wage and tax summaries.
  • Prepare and file various internal reports for the accounting department.

General Administrative Support:

• • Provide administrative support, including scheduling meetings, filing documents, and other payroll-related tasks.
  • Assist in reviewing and maintaining employee benefit information, including deductions for health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits.

Qualifications:
Education & Experience:

• • High school diploma or equivalent required; associate's degree in business, accounting, or related field preferred.
  • 2 years of experience in payroll, accounting, or administrative support, preferably within a corporate or HR setting.
  • Familiarity with payroll systems is a plus, Spectrum HRIS preferred.

Knowledge & Skills:

• • Strong understanding of payroll processing, payroll taxes, and wage laws.
  • Basic knowledge of accounting principles and financial reports.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and data analysis).
  • Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to handle employee inquiries professionally.
  • Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

Attributes:

• • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to resolve payroll issues in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
  • High level of accuracy and ability to meet tight deadlines.
  • Team player with a positive attitude and strong work ethic.
  • Maintain regular and predictable attendance and ensure timely completion of tasks.
  • Work collaboratively and cooperatively with team members and other professionals.
  • Work professionally and courteously with clients, team members, and supervisors.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in payroll (e.g., Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)) is a plus.
• Familiarity with labor laws and union contracts preferred.
• Previous experience working with employee benefits or HR-related tasks.

Other:

• Ability to successfully complete Lawson Electric background/drug screening processes
• Environment: Office
• Overtime:  minimal as required
• Travel Required: 0 days per month

Physical Demands:

Work is predominantly performed in a quiet to moderately loud office environment.  Required to remain in stationary position 50% of the time, occasionally move about inside the office, constantly operate computer and other office productivity machinery such as copier and position self to maintain files in cabinets and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds; ability to accurately communicate information and ideas so that others will understand; observe details at close range.  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Lawson Electric is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and subsequent opportunities for training and/or promotions for all job titles without regard to race, national origin, gender, gender identity, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status, or any other status protected under local, state, or federal laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities