Payroll Specialist

In compliance with applicable pay transparency requirements, the application window for this position is expected to close on November 4, 2026, subject to change based on business need. A Day in the Life and the Impact You’ll Make The Payroll Specialist is responsible for overseeing payroll operations for US and Canadian legal entities in partnership with a managed payroll service provider. This position maintains accountability for payroll accuracy, timely processing, employee pay-impacting data, payroll controls, and compliance with applicable federal, state, and provincial requirements.

The Payroll Specialist serves as an internal payroll subject matter resource, ensuring payroll processes and standard procedures are followed, payroll results are thoroughly reviewed and audited, and issues are identified and resolved in partnership with the payroll vendor and internal stakeholders. The role requires strong knowledge of payroll codes, earnings, deductions, taxes, and their impact on employee pay, as well as a solutions-oriented approach to resolving payroll issues.

This position is a key customer service resource for employees and managers, responding to payroll-related questions with professionalism, ownership, and follow-through. The successful candidate is inquisitive and a critical thinker who asks questions, investigates discrepancies, initiates action, and follows issues through to resolution. Integrity, sound judgment, reliability, and a strong work ethic are essential to success in this role.

The Payroll Specialist partners closely with Human Resources, Finance, managers, employees, and external partners and contributes to continuous improvement of payroll processes, systems, and controls. What You’ll Do

• Contribute to a safe and healthy work environment by actively participating, taking responsibility, and following established procedures and policies.
• Coordinate day-to-day payroll activities with the managed payroll service provider for US and Canadian legal entities, ensuring accurate and timely processing in accordance with established procedures.
• Review, audit, and reconcile payroll results, including earnings, deductions, taxes, benefit contributions, 401(k) contributions, adjustments, and other pay-impacting transactions.
• Maintain accurate employee payroll, benefits, and timekeeping data and a strong working knowledge of payroll codes, earnings, deductions, taxes, benefits, and how they impact employee pay.
• Support the administration and ongoing maintenance of payroll-related benefits, including benefit deductions and 401(k) contributions, and research discrepancies to resolution.
• Work with the time and attendance system to review employee time records, identify discrepancies, and ensure accurate information flows into payroll.
• Research, diagnose, and resolve payroll issues in partnership with the payroll provider and internal HR, Benefits, Finance, and other stakeholders, escalating complex matters to the Payroll & Benefits Manager as appropriate.
• Coordinate payroll adjustments, corrections, and off-cycle payrolls, ensuring appropriate approvals, documentation, and procedures are followed.
• Review payroll tax filings, benefit contributions, and related reporting for accuracy and timeliness and coordinate corrections or resolution with the payroll provider.
• Prepare and analyze payroll reports and respond to payroll-related inquiries from employees, managers, internal partners, auditors, and external providers.
• Provide responsive, professional customer service and take ownership of questions or issues through resolution, keeping customers informed and following through on commitments.
• Follow established payroll procedures, controls, and compliance requirements while proactively identifying discrepancies, risks, and opportunities to improve processes, documentation, and accuracy.
• Approach problems with curiosity and critical thinking; ask questions, investigate root causes, initiate action, and develop practical solutions rather than simply escalating issues.
• Build payroll expertise through continued learning and support payroll projects, process improvements, system enhancements, and other initiatives assigned by the Payroll & Benefits Manager.

What You’ll Bring

• Associate degree required; Bachelor’s degree preferred and/or commensurate work experience of minimum of 2-3 years of payroll experience, preferably in a multi-state US and Canadian environment.
• System and/or technical requirements: Intermediate Excel experience is required, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required, experience with ADP Workforce Now is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with a managed payroll service provider and/or payroll processing environment.
• Familiarity or experience with a payroll or HR ticketing/case management system, including experience with ticket setup, workflows, categorization, or administration.
• Working knowledge of benefits administration and 401(k) payroll deductions/contributions.
• Experience working with a time and attendance system and understanding how timekeeping data impacts payroll.
• Canadian payroll processing experience is preferred.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills with the ability to investigate discrepancies, identify root causes, and resolve issues.
• Inquisitive and proactive approach; asks questions, seeks to understand how and why processes work, and initiates action without waiting to be directed.
• Demonstrated integrity, accountability, strong work ethic, and a consistent record of following through on commitments.
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to communicate professionally and work effectively with employees, managers, HR, Finance, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain and handle extremely sensitive and confidential information with utmost discretion and security.
• Thorough understanding of federal, multi-state, and local payroll tax and compliance laws and registration processes.
• Ability to continually manage workflow for smooth, timely, accurate, and dependable processing.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a team player.
• Organization skills and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize and complete work in a dependable and consistent manner.

Physical Considerations

• Ability to work in a general office environment
• Ability to handle extended periods of computer-based work, including telephone
• Ability to work flexible and long hours, as needed

Travel Considerations

• No travel is required for this position

What You’ll Receive for the Value You Bring

Compensation:

The base pay range for this position is $26.00 per hour to $30.00 per hour. This position is designated as bonus-eligible, subject to plan terms and conditions. Actual pay is based on several factors including market location and position-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Benefits:

DEKRA North America strives to provide a competitive benefits package to colleagues and promotes physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Colleagues can self-select from our benefits to create a package unique to their needs. These benefits include access to competitive health care and retirement benefits, paid time off, mental health well-being resources, and opportunities to learn and develop. Below is a list of benefits we offer our colleagues:

Health & Well-being Benefits:

• Health care benefits: medical & prescription, dental, vision (including Domestic Partners)
• Critical Illness & Hospital Indemnity supplemental insurance
• Company Health Savings Account contribution
• Flexible Spending Account for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• Paid time off such as vacation, sick leave, and floating holidays
• Mental and emotional support resources through our Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program to increase activity and health habits, with ability to earn participation rewards
• Paid Parental Leave
• Travel Assist (Domestic/International)

Financial Benefits:

• 401(k) plan, with an employer match
• Company paid Short- & Long-Term Disability benefits
• Group term life insurance with options to buy-up for self and others
• Working Advantage – DEKRA’s official corporate discount program

Growth and Development Benefits:

• Education Assistance Program
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance
• Internal training and development resources to grow your career
• LEAD Forward Leadership Development Program
• Annual Career Goal Setting and Performance Review cycle participation

This list provides an overview of benefits provided for US-based colleagues; the DEKRA North America Employee Benefits Guide outlines plan details and further related eligibility requirements. About DEKRA As a global provider of comprehensive services and solutions, we help our customers improve their safety, security, and sustainability outcomes. DEKRA is the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification (TIC) companies offering innovative professional services in the fields of vehicle inspection, expert appraisals, industrial product testing & certification, management system certifications, leadership consulting, and much more. DEKRA is a purpose-driven organization with a deep passion to make the world a safer place on the road, at work, and at home. In DEKRA, you will be part of a continuously growing organization with a 100-year history involved in more than 50 countries on five continents.

We hope you’ll consider a career with DEKRA North America as we strive to become the Global Partner for a Safe World! DEKRA North America is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. DEKRA North America is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or accommodation while seeking employment, call +1 (770) 971-3788. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis. DEKRA North America will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay. DEKRA North America participates in the E-Verify program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.