Payroll Specialist

Position Summary

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for all employees in Clearwaters US and UK locations. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, maintains payroll records, and serves as a point of contact for employee pay-related questions. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, discreet with sensitive information, and comfortable working within strict deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

• Process semi-monthly payroll for US employees and monthly payroll for UK employees.

• Payroll is processed accurately and on schedule.

• Review and verify timekeeping records, new hire data, terminations, and status changes for accuracy prior to each pay cycle.

• Review and process deductions, garnishments, benefits contributions, and other withholdings in accordance with company policy and applicable local laws.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations; audit payroll tax filings as required.

• Respond to employee inquiries regarding paychecks, deductions, direct deposit, end of year forms, and other payroll matters in a timely, professional manner.

• Assist with month-end and year-end payroll close, including W-2, 1095-C, P60 and P11D preparation.

• Process off-cycle payments, corrections, and adjustments as needed.

• Support internal and external audits by providing payroll documentation and reports.

• Stay current on changes to payroll laws, tax regulations, and best practices; recommend process improvements as appropriate.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.

• 4+ years of experience in payroll processing or a related accounting/administrative role.

• Working knowledge of payroll systems, Workday payroll processing experience preferred, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

• Understanding of federal and state wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and payroll compliance requirements.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when handling numerical data and sensitive employee information.

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to meet strict, recurring deadlines.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a customer-service orientation toward employee inquiries.

• High level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential payroll and personnel data.

• Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) a plus, but not required.