Senior Payroll Specialist

Company Overview:

We are passionate about our employees.  We strive to create an environment that is stimulating and motivating and a culture that fosters mutual respect, teamwork, and career development.  Come join the Keystone team so we can build your career together!

In addition to competitive starting salaries, we offer a wide variety of competitive benefits, perks and programs that provide our employees the resources to pursue their goals, both at work and in their personal lives. 

Please visit our website at www.keystoneind.com to learn more about Keystone Industries and career opportunities.

Position Details:

• Title: Senior Payroll Specialist
• Schedule: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, M-F, with some flexibility. 
• Location: Gibbstown, NJ (08027)
• Salary Range: $70,000 - $80,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications. 

Position Overview:

The Senior Payroll Specialist is responsible for administration end-to-end payroll operations and related processes with a strong emphasis on compliance, accuracy, and efficiency. This role requires advanced expertise on federal/state payroll laws, HRIS, and proven ability in reporting and analytics to support business decision-making.

Essential Job Functions:

• Payroll Processing and Support
  • Administer and process weekly multi-state payroll while ensuring full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Monitor, interpret, communicate, and apply changes to wage and hour laws, tax requirements, and new legislative updates, ensuring payroll practices and system configurations are accurate and compliant.
  • Review and validate payroll data including timekeeping, deductions, benefits, and garnishments.
  • Partner with HR, Finance, and other cross-functional teams to resolve payroll-related issues.
  • Respond to employee inquiries with professionalism and accuracy.
• Compliance:
  • Lead payroll compliance and various audit activities, serving as the primary contact for workers’ compensation and 401(k) audits. Prepare and validate payroll, census, and classification data; responds to auditor or broker requests; and ensures timely, accurate, and compliant reporting.
  • Oversee the W-2 reporting cycle by reconciling year-end payroll data, coordinating corrections, and ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely distribution of W-2 forms and filings.
  • Manage and maintain data integrity.
• System Expertise:
  • Maintains expertise in system functionality, including payroll processing, timekeeping, reporting, and configuration updates.
  • Configure, troubleshoot, and optimize payroll workflows.
  • Partner with HR and IT to implement system upgrades and enhancements.
• Reporting and Analytics:
  • Develop and maintain all payroll and workforce reports.
  • Provide analytics on labor costs, overtime trends, and payroll variances
  • Deliver actionable insights to HR, Finance, and leadership teams.
• Perform additional duties/tasks as needed or requested by management.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5-7 years of multi-state payroll experience.
• In-depth understanding of payroll-related taxes and compliance, including federal, state, and local requirements.
• Proven experience in payroll reporting and analytics, with the ability to leverage data to support business decisions and process improvements.
• Hands-on proficiency in payroll software/systems, specifically UKG Pro or UltiPro.
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet weekly payroll deadlines.
• Exceptional computer skills (Microsoft Office) - advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
• Strong attention to detail and critical thinking skills - ability to identify discrepancies and recommend improvements.
• Proactive approach - ability to problem solve and make recommendations for efficiencies.
• Excellent oral, written, listening, and presentation skills - ability to clearly articulate complex information to others in various forums.
• Demonstrated integrity and professionalism.
• Proven ability to perform under deadlines, to adjust plans to meet changing needs and requirements.
• Must be an effective team player - ability to work with employees of all levels.
• Self-starter, strong initiative, dependable and capable of following through with minimal supervision.

Desired Skills:

• Previous experience supporting both manufacturing and office environments.
• Ability to train and act as mentor for best practices for the payroll function.
• Previous experience with system integrations and improvements.

Education/Certifications:

• Associates degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred.

Safety:

• Comply with all safety regulations; maintains a safe work environment at all times.
• Adhere to always wearing the proper PPE/Safety equipment.
• Understand and comply with all written safety, health, and environmental procedures.
• Attend all required scheduled Health, Safety and Environmental training sessions.
• Participate in required Health, Safety and Environmental initiatives and programs.
• Perform required administrative functions related to Health, Safety and Environmental functions such as completing forms, checklists, and log sheets.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Physical Demands: Employee is required to walk; stand; sit; use hands and fingers to manipulate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms to operate a computer and other office equipment, and occasionally lift/move up to 25 lbs.  Minimal need to balance, stoop, bend, kneel or climb.
• Work Environment: This position is located in an office setting, within a manufacturing facility. Noise intensity level: quiet to low. Employees may occasionally need to enter manufacturing or lab areas, which may include exposure to moderate noise, moving equipment, and hazardous contaminants. When entering these areas, employees must adhere to all applicable safety protocols, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements. Occasional travel may be required for audits, inspections, external site visits, or industry conferences.

Benefits and Perks:

• Weekly Pay
• Comprehensive Health Coverage - Medical, Dental & Vision Plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Medical & Dependent Care or Health Savings Account (HSA) Options
• Company-Paid Life Insurance + Additional Voluntary Options
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with 3% Employer Contribution (after 1 year)
• Fitness Benefits - Onsite Gym (Headquarters) or Membership Reimbursement (other sites)
• Paid Time Off & Holidays to support work-life balance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support
• Financial Wellness Resources
• Employee Discounts & Perks (Eagles games, concert tickets, etc.)
• Company Social Events & Team Activities
• Career Development Opportunities & Internal Growth

Staffing Agency/Third-Party Recruiter Policy:

Keystone Industries partners only with approved recruiting agencies that have a current, signed agreement with our Human Resources department. Agencies may submit candidates only for positions they have been specifically requested to support by a Keystone recruiter. Unsolicited resumes or outreach that does not follow this process (including direct contact with hiring managers) will not be considered.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.