Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist, Peachtree City, Georgia

The
Payroll Specialist plays a key role in ensuring accurate and timely payroll
processing for salaried employees on a semi-monthly basis across multiple
states. This role is about more than just processing—it’s about delivering
exceptional service and building strong relationships with HR, Benefits,
Finance, and business leaders to provide expert support and drive continuous
improvements. A customer-focused mindset, strong attention to detail, and a
proactive approach are essential for delivering a seamless payroll experience
that supports both employees and the business.

The
Payroll Specialist’s adaptability, commitment to honesty and integrity,
proactive problem-solving skills, impeccable attention to detail, and
customer-first attitude are critical attributes for success in this role. This
is an in-office position with the opportunity to work remotely one day per
week.

What You’ll Do

Payroll Processing

• Oversee and ensure the precise and timely processing of exempt and non-exempt payroll transactions, particularly focusing on semi-monthly payroll for salaried employees, while adhering to established deadlines. This involves a thorough examination of hours, overtime, bonuses, and deductions.
• Validate and promptly rectify payroll data with keen attention to accuracy, swiftly addressing any discrepancies that may arise during audits.
• Manage month-end tasks, encompassing payroll-related journal entries, accruals, and reconciliation processes, showcasing a sophisticated understanding of financial intricacies.
• Generate and distribute comprehensive payroll-related reports, covering G/L, worker’s compensation, and fulfilling ad hoc requests.
• Serve as a backup for other payroll groups, including US hourly, covering weekly, bi-weekly, and semi-monthly cycles.
• Facilitate the reconciliation process and actively contribute to the preparation of year-end taxation forms, including W-2s.
• Complete accurate and timely data entry associated with the employee life cycle, including new hires, terminations, and other employment status changes, ensuring seamless integration with payroll processes.

Administration

• Create and maintain standard operating procedures and training materials for all payroll processes.
• Develop and manage tools, forms, and policies tailored to payroll procedures, ensuring they are easily accessible and comprehensible for employees and stakeholders.
• Maintain organized and up-to-date employee files and payroll records, while adhering to internal control procedures and applicable privacy legislation.
• Stay informed about relevant labor laws and tax regulations to ensure compliance in payroll processing.

Customer Service

• Act as the first point of contact for payroll-related inquiries, providing clear, timely, and accurate personalized support to employees and internal partners.
• Educate employees on payroll processes and policies, empowering them to understand their pay more effectively.
• Collaborate with HR, Benefits, and Finance teams to ensure accurate data flow and alignment across all payroll-related activities.
• Build trust and credibility with employees by handling payroll matters with confidentiality, professionalism, and a solution-oriented approach.
• Track and monitor common employee questions and concerns to identify trends and recommend process improvements.
• Develop and maintain payroll-related resources (e.g., FAQs, guides) to enhance employee understanding and reduce recurring inquiries.
• Maintain a customer-first mindset by anticipating employee needs and proactively addressing potential concerns.

Other Duties

• Engage collaboratively with HR Systems to proactively maintain and administer the salaried payroll system, ensuring its optimal functionality.
• Foster close collaboration with cross-functional teams to seamlessly implement enhancements that elevate the efficiency and effectiveness of payroll processes.
• Actively identify opportunities for continuous process improvement and enhanced efficiency within the payroll procedures and be a champion for change.
• Play a key role in the optimization, configuration, or implementation of systems, participating in ad hoc activities or projects.
• Act as a liaison and backup for HR benefit and employee administration, handling tasks such as new hires, employee compensation, terminations, and benefit changes.
• Support employee programs related to absenteeism and leaves.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment by providing support to team members and other departments as needed, contributing to a cohesive and high-performing team dynamic.

What You Offer

• 3–5 years’ experience in processing high-volume and U.S. multi-state payroll with a strong focus on accuracy and compliance.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation through the American Payroll Association (APA) preferred.
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Excel (including VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, and data analysis), Word, and Outlook.
• Experience in basic accounting and reconciling payroll-related general ledger accounts.
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now is considered an asset.
• Proven ability to provide exceptional customer service by effectively handling employee inquiries, resolving payroll concerns with professionalism, and fostering positive relationships across HR, Benefits, Finance, and leadership teams.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain payroll processes and outcomes to non-payroll professionals in a clear and supportive manner.
• Must be able to reliably work in the office and travel to our operational locations, with the ability to travel to Canada as needed.
• Strong prioritization, organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to communicate clear and concise information in an accurate informative manner.
• Strong prioritization, organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Effective information gathering and information monitoring skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a professional team environment.
• Ability to maintain confidential information using discretion and diplomacy.
• Ability to make decisions and use independent judgement.
• Ability to run payroll, benefit reports and other analytical reports as required.
• Must demonstrate honesty, integrity and professionalism.

Who We Are

Interfor is a growth-oriented forest products company, operating in all major forest products markets across North America. We offer one of the most diverse lines of wood products to customers around the globe, produced in safety-focused, world-class facilities. We strengthen and contribute to the local economies, build value for our employees and customers, and operate with world-leading sustainable forest management practices. We are proud to produce sustainable building materials that contribute to a healthy and sustainable future. Check out www.interfor.com to learn more about our approach to sustainability.

Interfor is one of the largest forest products companies in the world and we’re growing in exciting directions. Come be a part of our success! #StartHereGoFar

What We Offer

Interfor builds value for our employees by providing a career where they can contribute, grow, and prosper. We offer a competitive salary, based both on what you bring to the role and benchmarked to market conditions. You’ll also get a competitive benefits package including:

• Group Benefit Programs (Employee Medical, Dental, Vision Plans)
  • Short Term Disability Insurance
  • Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Optional (Employee Paid) Life Insurance
• HSA Medical Plan with Employer Match
• Supplemental Insurance (Accident, Hospital & Critical Illness)
• 401(k) Matching Plan
• Participation in our Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Participation in our Short-Term Incentive Plan (STIP)
• Paid Vacation
• Employee Assistance Program

We want you to grow your career with Interfor. With our industry leading training programs and track record of promoting from within, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ‘Start Here. Go Far.’ Check out our Employee Development Programs to learn more at www.interfor.com/careers.

We appreciate the interest of all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All applicants offered a position must successfully complete a pre-employment drug test and background check. Interfor is an Equal Opportunity Employer building a capable, committed, diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual identity, gender, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.