UKG Payroll Specialist, AZ, GA

About the Role

The Payroll Specialist helps support our payroll function for our growing client base. This position will be responsible for all payroll-related processing activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day payroll processing support for scheduled and off-cycle payrolls.
• Import or manually enter payroll changes (payroll hours, employees updates, earnings, deductions, and tax overrides etc.).
• Calculate payroll and confirm accurate entry of client-provided payroll data through generating control totals for import files and through manual review.
• Respond timely and accurately to all client inquiries via email, cases, and phones.
• Partner with Payroll Supervisors on special projects to support clients.
• Manage and support assigned book of business.

Marginal Functions

• Build, maintain and promote relationships with team members, peers across disciplines, and all other company team members ensuring effective coordination of communications and services affecting clients.
• Attend webinars and training to stay up to date on best practices related to the company and department.
• Complete projects and other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and demonstrated ability to learn other applications as needed.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel (formulas, pivot tables, data validation) and Outlook (email management, scheduling).

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year’s experience in Customer Service.
• At least one year of payroll experience is preferred but not required.
• High school diploma or equivalent combination of experience, skills, education (including other relevant non-traditional degree programs, certifications, or job training programs) preferred.
• Demonstrates effective time management, maintains accurate records, and ensures all payroll tasks are completed in accordance with established schedules and compliance requirements.
• Ability to multitask while maintaining a high level of accuracy and strong attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and interact professionally with employees at all levels.
• Uses analytical thinking to troubleshoot payroll issues, interpret data, and determine appropriate solutions quickly and confidently.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment when evaluating situations, identifying problems, and determining appropriate courses of action.
• Proven ability to partner with cross-functional departments—including HR, Finance, and Operations—to resolve payroll-related issues and ensure accurate, compliant processing.
• Resilience under pressure and adaptability to shifting business needs.
• Skilled in negotiation, conflict resolution, and influencing without authority.
• Communicate with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, demonstrating cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for executive-level reporting, cross-functional coordination, and team leadership.
• Ability to clearly articulate strategy, goals, and expectations across diverse teams.
• Presentation Skills.

Physical, Mental, & Communication Demands

• Physical Demands: Sedentary Work (primarily sitting), Manual Dexterity (frequent use of hands/fingers for computer/office equipment), Mobility (occasional travel, occasional walking/traversing office), Visual Acuity (reading computer screens/printed materials), Lifting & Carrying (minimal, handling documents/light supplies).
• Mental Demands: Attention to Detail, Problem-Solving, Multitasking, Decision-Making, Adaptability, Stress Management.
• Communication Demands: Interpersonal Skills, Negotiation, Cultural Sensitivity, Verbal and Written Communication, Presentation Skills.

Work Environment

• Professional, climate-controlled office environment.
• Computer-intensive role requiring extended periods of sitting, frequent use of monitors and standard office equipment, and sustained visual focus.
• Regular interaction with clients and internal teams via email, phone, and virtual platforms.
• Handling of confidential employee information in accordance with strict privacy and security standards.