Payroll Specialist

Stratus is growing! We are looking for a payroll specialist to join our team in Pittsburgh. The Payroll Specialist will oversee the organizations payroll operations, ensuring timely and accurate compensation for employees while adhering to federal, state, and local regulations. This role is critical in maintaining compliance with tax laws, preparing payroll reports, and resolving payroll discrepancies. The Payroll Specialist will also collaborate with HR and finance departments to support overall employee satisfaction and organizational goals.

Primary Essential Functions:

• Process Payroll: Accurately prepare and process payroll on a regular basis, ensuring all employees are paid in accordance with applicable laws and company policies.
• Maintain Payroll Records: Manage and update payroll data, including employee status changes, salary adjustments, timekeeping, deductions, and benefits contributions.
• Ensure Compliance: Stay informed of and ensure payroll practices comply with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as internal policies. Prepare and file necessary payroll-related tax documents.
• Handle Payroll Discrepancies: Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies by analyzing information, working with department managers, and addressing employee inquiries.
• Generate Reports: Create and distribute payroll-related reports for internal stakeholders, such as HR and finance teams, including summaries of earnings, deductions, taxes, and other payroll data.
• Coordinate with HR and Finance: Work closely with HR and finance teams to ensure the accuracy of employee records, benefit deductions, and payroll-related general ledger entries.
• Support Audits: Assist with internal and external audits by providing payroll information and reports as requested.
• Maintain Confidentiality: Ensure the confidentiality of employee payroll data in accordance with company policies and legal requirements.

Secondary Essential Functions:

• Perform all other duties as assigned.
• Work collaboratively and effectively with clients and colleagues including cross-functional teams, peers, direct reports, and leadership, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Adapt to changing business needs and priorities, demonstrating flexibility in taking on new responsibilities and adjusting to evolving challenges.

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities):

Knowledge

• In-depth understanding of payroll processes, procedures, and best practices.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of payroll software and systems (e.g., ADP, Paycom, or similar platforms).
• Understanding of accounting principles related to payroll and general ledger reconciliation.
• Knowledge of employee benefits, deductions, and wage garnishments as they relate to payroll.

Skills

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in processing payroll data.
• Proficiency in using payroll software, spreadsheets, and related financial tools.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills to meet payroll deadlines.
• Strong communication skills to explain payroll issues and resolve discrepancies with employees and management.
• Analytical skills to troubleshoot and resolve payroll discrepancies efficiently.

Abilities

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive payroll data with discretion.
• Capability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to changes in payroll regulations and company policies.
• Strong problem-solving abilities to address payroll-related issues proactively.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with HR, finance, and other internal teams.

Qualifications:

Required

• Associate's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 3 years of experience in payroll processing or payroll administration.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws and tax regulations.
• Proficiency in using payroll software (e.g., ADP, Paycom, or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).
• Experience working in payroll within an engineering, architectural, or similar industry.
• Familiarity with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite) and general ledger processes.
• Experience managing multi-state payroll processing.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Stratus is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender

status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Stratus Team’s management Team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.