Payroll Specialist

At Peterson, we partner with our customers to build the future. For over 90 years, our peoples’ work has shaped the communities where we live, where we raise our families, and where we thrive. Peterson’s legacy permeates every aspect of our communities. From roads and bridges, back-up power at hospitals, fire-fighting, concerts and moving goods; we are everywhere you look. At Peterson, you don’t just have a career, you have a purpose.

Our family-oriented environment is built on safety, winning, growth, and professional achievement. Hiring and developing exceptional people is critical to our continued success. We have high standards for a good reason: our people represent Peterson, our family, our brand, and our values.

You have high expectations too. You are exceptionally motivated, have outstanding skills, and want your work to matter.  Peterson offers competitive wages, generous benefits, and promotional opportunities at a family-owned and operated business. It’s time to use your skills and passion to do work that matters!

Job Description

Peterson Cat has the immediate need for an experienced Payroll Specialist at our San Leandro, CA location. This is a fully In-Office position based at 955 Marina Blvd., San Leandro, CA.

SUMMARY

This position administers the processing/preparation of payroll, payroll taxes, union benefits, payroll deductions and contractual changes. Working under minimal supervision, plans and performs complex multi-state payroll processing duties in a timely and accurate manner. Coordinates and cooperates with company supervisors and managers to accomplish tasks.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign the functions to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. Job functions include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Set up new hires in payroll system; ensure accuracy and completeness of all required information; maintain and update records pursuant to employee/payroll changes.
• Manage work activities to ensure all business process workflows are processed accurately and timely.
• Understand proper taxation of wages, benefits and other payroll factors and ensure compliance with federal and state laws.
• Perform semi-monthly labor audit for non-exempt employees; calculate and track adjustments and coordinate with managers when necessary.
• Process and reconcile commissions pursuant to defined programs; respond to inquiries; research discrepancies and resolve problems; generate reports as requested and maintain all paid commission voucher documentation.
• Prepare and process manual checks and positive pay transmission with bank.
• Manage post payroll paycheck distribution for exempt and non-exempt employees.
• Transmit company benefit contribution data and 401(k) deferrals to Plan Administrator.
• Monthly reconciliation and posting of payroll General Ledger transactions; research and resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain and record mileage driven by Peterson owned vehicles for W-2 reporting.
• Maintain all related payroll files and records; maintain back-up documentation for all payments processed.
• Coordinate sick leave integration with disability payments; maintain spreadsheets for leave of absence employees, track integration and insurance premiums owed.
• Certified payroll reporting, when applicable.
• Calculate prevailing wage, when applicable.
• Respond to payroll inquiries from managers and employees in a timely manner.
• Serve as back up to team members.
• Special projects and reports as required.
• Maintains punctual, regular, and predictable attendance. 

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

• Works collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation.  
• Displays excellent communication skills including presentation, persuasion, and negotiation skills required in working with customers/ coworkers, including the ability to communicate effectively and remain calm and courteous under pressure. 
• Respectfully takes direction from supervisor/manager. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associates Degree from a fully accredited college or technical school in Business, Accounting, or other closely related field preferred; and a minimum of three years of directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Experience processing union employee payroll and understanding bargaining agreement terms is a plus. Knowledge and experience with Workday, ADP, and Certified Payroll reporting preferred. 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred.

The pay range for this position is: $39.45 - $46.00. We also offer a total compensation package in addition to base salary.

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