Payroll & HR Administrator

Brad Foote Gear Works is hiring for a Payroll & Human Resources Administrator at our Cicero, IL location. The Payroll/HR Administrator is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of multi-state payroll and the administration of key human resources functions. This role serves as the primary administrator for payroll processing and supports key human resources programs, ensuring accurate transactions, compliance with established procedures, and excellent service to employees and managers., ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations while maintaining the integrity of payroll, HRIS, and employee data. In addition, the position supports benefits administration, onboarding, employee records management, and HR compliance initiatives.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage confidential information while providing exceptional service to employees and internal stakeholders. This position partners closely with Operations, Human Resources, Finance, and business leaders to ensure efficient payroll and HR processes and positive employee experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (May include some or all the following responsibilities)

Payroll Administration:

• Process weekly payroll for exempt and non-exempt employees across multiple business units and states.
• Ensure accurate calculation and processing of wages, overtime, shift differentials, bonuses, commissions, and other earnings.
• Review and audit payroll data for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with company policies and applicable laws.
• Coordinate the timely collection and validation of time and attendance information.
• Maintain payroll records and employee payroll data within the HRIS and payroll systems.
• Process employee payroll-related changes, including direct deposits, tax withholding elections, deductions, and earnings adjustments.
• Administer wage garnishments, child support orders, tax levies, and other involuntary deductions.
• Process special payroll runs, off-cycle payments, bonus payments, and other payroll-related transactions as required.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding pay, deductions, tax withholding, and payroll-related matters.
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies in partnership with Human Resources, Operations, Accounting, and management.

Payroll Compliance and Reporting:

• Support compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations and reporting requirements
• Support payroll tax filings and audits, including periodic, quarterly, and annual reconciliations.
• Assist with payroll tax reporting and related government filings in accordance with established procedures.
• Provide payroll-related data and reporting for financial audits, tax compliance, and business reporting needs.
• Follow established internal controls, accounting policies, and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) procedures.
• Support internal and external audits by providing requested payroll documentation and reports.

Human Resources Administration

• Administer employee benefit enrollments, qualifying life event changes, and annual open enrollment activities.
• Coordinate and facilitate new hire onboarding, off boarding, orientation, confidentiality, and employment documentation.
• Enter and maintain employee data, including new hires, terminations, transfers, promotions, and other employment changes.
• Manage employee personnel records and ensure proper retention of electronic and physical files.
• Monitor and maintain Form I-9 compliance and employment eligibility documentation.
• Administer paid time off and attendance tracking programs in accordance with company policies.
• Assist with recruiting activities, including interview scheduling, candidate communications, pre-employment screening coordination, and offer administration.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Reporting, Process Improvement, and Other Responsibilities

• Prepare routine and ad hoc payroll and HR reports.
• Recommend process improvements to enhance payroll and HR administrative efficiency and accuracy.
• Maintain payroll and HR procedures and documentation and assist with updates as needed.
• Serve as a resource to employees and managers regarding payroll and HR administrative processes
• Assist with other projects or duties as needed or assigned

Academic/Experience/Credentials/Certifications:

• Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• 2+ years of payroll processing and/or HR administrative experience required.
• Processing payroll in a multi-location or multi-state environment preferred
• Experience supporting human resources administration functions preferred.
• Experience with HRIS and payroll systems required; UKG/Kronos experience preferred.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC), or similar certification preferred.

Specialized Skills/Knowledge/Ability:

• Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, wage and hour laws, payroll taxation, and compliance requirements.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information with discretion.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet critical payroll deadlines.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact professionally at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to explain payroll and HR processes clearly to employees and managers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and process optimization.