Payroll Specialist
SEMCO Energy
Port Huron
Position Summary
The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate, end-to-end processing of Michigan and Wisconsin payroll operations, ensuring compliance and reporting with applicable U.S. regulations. This role serves as a key liaison across internal teams—including Finance, HR, Labor Relations, Compensation, and Benefits—supporting both recurring payroll activities and ad hoc projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Payroll processing for all Michigan and Wisconsin employees, including management, union, hourly, and salaried staff.
- Oversee weekly and bi-weekly timesheet processing, including review, error resolution, and corrections.
- Reconcile payroll registers and supervise the reconciliation of payroll-related general ledger accounts.
- Ensure accurate PTO accruals, carryovers, and payouts, including final payouts for terminated employees.
- Process garnishments, special payments, and allowances, in coordination with HR, Compensation, and Labor Relations.
- Prepare and file federal, state, and local tax documents, including W-2 statements; process all payroll tax payments.
- Initiate and transmit electronic deposits and payments in a timely manner.
- Provide weekly and bi-weekly payroll reporting and reconciliation to Finance, including garnishment payments and third-party service oversight.
- Support internal and external audits, including documentation and responses to SOX-related inquiries.
- Support testing and implementation of payroll system updates and process improvements.
- Collaborate with HRIS, Recruiting, Benefits, and Compensation to ensure accurate new hire and termination calculations.
- Review and update payroll procedures and documentation to ensure compliance and identify areas for improvement.
- Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll, deadlines, and tax information.
- Assist in the setup of new earning and deduction codes as needed.
- Support enterprise initiatives with special projects, reporting, and ad hoc requests.
Skills & Qualifications
- High school diploma (or equivalent). Bachelor’s Degree preferred
- 2 to 3 years of payroll processing experience preferred
- Strong analytical skills and problem-solving aptitude
- Ability to prioritize tasks effectively and manage multiple deadlines
- High attention to detail and self-motivation
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build strong professional relationships
- Team-oriented with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally
- Ability to work under pressure while maintaining accuracy and timeliness
- Proficiency in payroll systems and reporting tools, including Workday and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word)
- Proven ability to investigate and resolve payroll-related issues efficiently
- Good working knowledge of various personal computer business software applications presently used by the Company. Ability to learn new systems or software packages as necessary.
