Payroll Specialist

Former US Secretary of Energy, Jennifer Granholm said, “With what Virginia Transformer is doing, they are at the center of how we’re going to build out the backbone of our clean energy future.”

Virginia Transformer and Georgia Transformer Corp., is “the engineering firm that makes transformers.”

We are the largest US-owned manufacturer of electric transformers in North America and have been helping to secure the reliability and resilience of our country’s electric grid for more than 50 years. We produce power transformers for any conceivable application – GSU, substations, auto-transformers, grounding transformers, drive duty, rectifier, exciter, voltage regulator, and other.

The company is experiencing steady and sustained growth and serves every part of US industry from its six state-of-the-art North American facilities.

We are actively looking for individuals who want to be part of a high-growth company and who want to share in the pride we have in ensuring American manufacturing continues to flourish. Without reliable power, manufacturing cannot operate. That is where we – and you – come in. Join us.

Payroll & Compliance Specialist

Location: Virginia Transformer – Roanoke, VA

Position Summary

The Payroll & Compliance Specialist is responsible for managing payroll processing, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and maintaining accurate payroll records. This role ensures adherence to federal, state, and local regulations, handles payroll tax filings, and supports internal and external audits. The specialist will also assist in developing and enforcing company policies to mitigate risk and ensure compliance across payroll operations.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Processing & Administration

• Process payroll, ensuring accurate calculation of wages, overtime, bonuses, and deductions.
• Maintain payroll records, including tax documentation, direct deposit information, and benefits deductions.
• Reconcile timekeeping records and resolve discrepancies in reported hours worked.
• Ensure timely and accurate payroll tax filings, including federal, state, and local payroll taxes.
• Handle off-cycle payrolls, terminations, and final pay calculations in compliance with labor laws.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Monitor and ensure compliance with wage and hour laws, overtime regulations, and tax requirements.
• Stay updated on labor laws and regulatory changes, implementing necessary payroll updates.
• Assist with internal and external payroll audits, providing required documentation and analysis.
• Ensure proper classification of employees (W-2 vs. 1099) and compliance with independent contractor regulations.
• Oversee compliance with union agreements (if applicable) related to payroll and benefits.

Policy & Reporting

• Develop and maintain payroll-related policies and procedures to ensure compliance with company and regulatory requirements.
• Generate and analyze payroll compliance reports, identifying trends and potential issues.
• Work with HR and finance teams to ensure proper documentation and payroll processing for new hires, promotions, and terminations.
• Maintain confidentiality and security of payroll records, ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations.

Employee Support & Communication

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees regarding payroll and compliance inquiries.
• Provide guidance to employees on payroll-related policies, benefits deductions, and tax forms.
• Address payroll disputes and discrepancies, ensuring timely resolution.

Qualifications & Experience

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience: 3–5 years of experience in payroll processing and compliance, preferably in manufacturing, construction, or industrial sectors.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in payroll software (ADP, Paychex, Workday, or similar).
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local labor laws and payroll tax regulations.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills for payroll reporting and analysis.

Soft Skills:

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) is a plus.
• Experience with multi-state payroll processing.
• Background in compliance auditing or risk management related to payroll.

Work Environment

• Office-based role in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment requiring strong organizational and multitasking skills.