Payroll Specialist

Location: Portland, OR
Job Type: Full-Time
Compensation: $30.00-$38.00 per hour, DOE
Industry: Manufacturing

Position Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Payroll Specialist to join our growing manufacturing organization in Portland, Oregon. The Payroll Specialist will be responsible for processing accurate and timely payroll for hourly and salaried employees, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, and maintaining employee payroll records. This position plays a critical role in supporting our workforce and partnering with HR and Finance to ensure payroll accuracy and exceptional employee service.

Key Responsibilities

• Process weekly and/or bi-weekly payroll for hourly production employees and salaried staff.
• Accurately calculate wages, overtime, shift differentials, bonuses, commissions, garnishments, and other payroll adjustments.
• Review and audit timesheets, attendance records, and timekeeping data for accuracy.
• Administer payroll-related activities including new hires, terminations, wage changes, deductions, and direct deposit updates.
• Ensure compliance with Oregon wage and hour laws, federal regulations, and company policies.
• Maintain and reconcile payroll records, reports, and general ledger payroll accounts.
• Process wage garnishments, child support orders, tax levies, and other required deductions.
• Prepare payroll tax reports and assist with quarterly and year-end payroll activities, including W-2 processing.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Partner with Human Resources regarding employee status changes, benefits deductions, and leave administration.
• Support audits by providing payroll records and required documentation.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes and efficiencies.

Qualifications

Required

• 3+ years of payroll processing experience.
• Experience processing payroll for 100+ employees.
• Knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and wage-and-hour requirements.
• Proficiency with payroll software such as ADP, Paylocity, UKG, Paycom, Workday, or similar systems.
• Strong Excel skills, including formulas, lookups, and data reconciliation.
• Excellent attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Preferred

• Manufacturing, industrial, or multi-shift payroll experience.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation.
• Experience managing union payroll and/or prevailing wage payroll.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 15 pounds.
• Ability to work in an office environment with occasional visits to production areas.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development Opportunities

Why Join Us?

Join a stable and growing manufacturing organization where your expertise directly supports the success of our employees and operations. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and a collaborative work environment focused on teamwork, quality, and continuous improvement.

Pay Range: $30.00-$38.00 per hour DOE
Location: Portland, OR
Schedule: Monday-Friday, Full-Time, Onsite

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.