HR / Payroll Specialist

Job Title (Position):   HR and Payroll Specialist

Reports To:                      HR Manager / Chief Financial Officer

Classification:                Hourly (non-exempt)

Expectations of ALL Employees

All employees will follow PESCO’s policies and procedures. They will also support PESCO’s values by exhibiting the following behavior:

• Commitment to Excellence
• Integrity
• Mutual Respect and Trust
• Competence and Quality
• Collaboration and innovation
• Commitment to our community
• Accountability and ownership

Job/Position Summary

Supports daily HR and payroll operations, including recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, benefits, compliance, employee records, and payroll processing. This position ensures employees are paid accurately and on time in compliance with federal, state, and local requirements; serves as the primary contact for HR and payroll inquiries; audits timekeeping records; safeguards the integrity of HR and payroll data; and partners with Accounting and IT to maintain HR, payroll, and timekeeping systems, including Visual Time & Attendance (VTA) and ADP. The role requires strong attention to detail, organization, confidentiality, and the ability to work well with employees and managers.

Duties and Responsibilities

Exercises independent judgment in routine HR and payroll activities and promptly escalates material discrepancies, compliance concerns, and system issues to the HR Manager or Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate.

Human Resources

• Assist with day-to-day HR operations and ensure compliance with labor laws and company policies.
• Support the full recruitment process, including job postings, screening, interviewing, and hiring.
• Conduct new hire orientations and assist in the onboarding process.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records in HRIS systems and personnel files.
• Administer employee benefits, including enrollments, changes, and general inquiries, and assist with benefits reports and updates, including health, life, and short-term disability.
• Coordinate and support performance management and employee review processes.
• Assist in the development and implementation of HR policies and procedures.
• Organize and participate in employee engagement activities and HR projects.
• Monitor employee compliance with training requirements and certifications.
• Generate HR reports and metrics as needed.

Payroll and Timekeeping

• Process, audit, and reconcile weekly, semi-monthly, off-cycle, and special payrolls.
• Maintain payroll systems and ensure accurate processing of salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions.
• Ensure timely processing of payroll changes, including new hires, terminations, pay rate changes, transfers, tax withholding elections, and employee status updates.
• Review and audit employee timekeeping records and resolve payroll discrepancies.
• Manage and reconcile employee leave balances, including vacation, sick, and personal time.
• Process retroactive pay adjustments, corrections, garnishments, and court-ordered deductions.
• Perform payroll reconciliations, including payroll liabilities, tax accounts, benefits deductions, and garnishments.
• Ensure compliance with FLSA, IRS regulations, payroll tax requirements, wage and hour laws, and company policies; monitor regulatory changes and implement process updates as needed.
• Coordinate year-end payroll activities, including W-2 processing and payroll reconciliations.
• Maintain payroll records, reports, and documentation in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Facilitate internal and external audits by providing payroll records and supporting documentation.
• Develop, maintain, and improve payroll procedures and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Serve as payroll system administrator and partner with IT to troubleshoot, maintain, and improve payroll and timekeeping platforms, including Visual Time & Attendance (VTA) and ADP.

General

• Respond to internal and external HR and payroll inquiries, including questions regarding pay, deductions, taxes, benefits, and leave balances.
• Provide guidance and support to managers and employees regarding HR, payroll, and timekeeping procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field; or high school diploma or equivalent with two or more years of verified Human Resources office experience.
• Minimum 3 years of payroll experience.
• Proven experience as an HR Coordinator, HR Assistant, or HR Specialist.
• Solid understanding of HR practices, employment law, and labor regulations.
• Working knowledge of payroll processing, payroll taxes, garnishments, benefits deductions, and timekeeping administration, including multi-state payroll administration.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint, and experienced with HR, payroll, and timekeeping systems.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage confidential information with accuracy, professionalism, and discretion.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, customer service, and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritize work, manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently or as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Maintains composure and effectiveness when managing competing priorities and urgent situations.
• Must submit a current resume with application.

Physical Requirements

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment requiring prolonged periods of sitting, keyboard use, and computer work.
• Must be able to bend, lift, twist, and squat.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs.

Benefits

PESCO offers a competitive benefits package designed to support the health, financial well-being, and work-life balance of employees. Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match (when eligible)
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation and sick leave
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Additional voluntary benefits as available

Eligibility for benefits is subject to plan terms, enrollment requirements, and waiting periods. The Company reserves the right to modify, amend, or discontinue benefit programs at any time in accordance with applicable laws and plan documents.

This position is eligible for participation in management incentive programs, performance-based bonuses, and other leadership-level benefits as approved by PESCO.

Compensation

This position offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience, qualifications, skills, and demonstrated performance. The starting pay rate or salary range for this position is determined based on factors including education, relevant experience, certifications, market conditions, and internal equity.

PESCO reserves the right to modify compensation programs, pay structures, and incentive plans at its discretion and in accordance with applicable laws. Employment with the Company is at-will and nothing contained in this job description should be construed as a guarantee of compensation, employment, or future earnings.

Wage Range: $21 - $25 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.

Standard Working Hours and Conditions

Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; schedule may vary based on production needs.

Days:  Monday–Friday; occasional evening or weekend availability may be required based on business needs.