The Payroll Specialist works on a team of payroll professionals responsible for processing multi-jurisdiction payrolls for 5,000 U.S. employees utilizing Workday payroll application. Working collaboratively with other internal teams, this important role includes payroll processing according to a pre-determined delivery schedule. A payroll checklist includes pre and post payroll processing activities that demand a high level of engagement, discretion, and confidentiality in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment. This team is also responsible for reconciling all payroll related general ledger accounts requiring basic accounting skills.

As a Payroll Specialist, your responsibilities will include:

• Payroll Processing : Engage with other team members to complete payroll and actively participate in reviewing, processing, and reconciling payroll data and performing the necessary steps for funding, general ledger activities and proper record keeping ensuring payroll accuracy. Must be comfortable using Excel at intermediate level.

• Case Management: Effectively communicate with a variety of internal and external clients (associates, team members, managers, auditors, vendors, federal, state, and local agencies) for the purpose of ensuring accurate processing of payroll. Respond to payroll inquiries from employees and outside clients via telephone or email and provide guidance and direction to associates on payroll related issues. Prepare and distribute metrics for case management and timecard processing. Must have the ability to determine when to escalate issues and use discernment regarding privacy and confidentiality.

• Garnishment and Loan Administration: Prepare garnishment and loan activity for payroll setup, communication, and payment. Must have the ability to review documents for compliance purposes and establish garnishment and loan maintenance in payroll and payment applications.

• Process Improvements: Identifies improvement opportunities with current processes and applications and provides recommendations for enhancements. Assists with testing and implementing new functionality within the team’s applications.

• Special Projects: Participate in key team-wide, department-wide or business unit specific initiatives to improve overall performance and support strategic initiatives.

What we need from you:

• Three years of payroll processing experience preferably with exempt/non-exempt and multi-jurisdiction landscape.
• Experience with Workday payroll highly desired.
• Accounting basics and intermediate Excel skills.
• The ability to explain payroll statements and W2 details to clients in a professional manner.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Provide high level customer service using professional communication.
• Ability to create documentation and prepare notes as requested.
• Ability to engage in problem solving in a team environment.

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Commitment to Inclusion & Diversity

Baird is committed to inclusion & diversity for our clients, our associates and the communities where we live and work. This commitment stems from our culture of integrity, genuine concern for others and respect for the individual. We view inclusion & diversity as an ongoing journey - one of shared responsibility, continuous improvement and a focus on progress. We invite you to join us as we work together to foster an environment where diversity unites rather than divides us.