Lead Payroll Specialist

Cox Communications is currently looking for a Lead Payroll Specialist to join our team in Atlanta, Georgia .
The Role:
The Lead Payroll Specialist is responsible for accurate processing of the company's payroll for all Cox Communications ("CCI") employees and provides Tier Two support payroll-related issue resolution to employees and HR Business Partners. They serve as a subject matter expert for the team (e.g., provide training, guidance, and assistance to team members on successful service and troubleshooting tactics) to improve the performance of the team and to enhance the employee experience.
Responsibilities:

• Prepares, documents, and disburses payroll checks for the company's non-exempt hourly and exempt salaried employees.
• Ensures all appropriate taxes, deductions, and contributions are accurately withheld and W-2s correctly issued.
• Validates the data entry of all commissions, bonuses, and tuition reimbursements.
• Executes time and attendance processing and interfaces with payroll.
• Processes and inputs various payroll-related transactions in accordance with internal procedures.
• Maintains earnings and deductions records.
• Maintains employment data in Workday and processes pay rate changes in Workday.
• Processes new hire's tax records and PTO payouts for terminated employees.
• Calculates and enters Benefits (ABBR/TTBR) rates based on new hire records.
• Sets up Maintain Time Reporter data in Workday for hourly and capital labor reports.
• Processes payroll changes related to short term disability and military leave.
• Calculates retroactive pay (when approved) for late pay adjustments, promotions or reclassification and processes for payroll.
• Generates manual check requests, stop payment and reversal requests. Coordinates off-cycle check disbursements with location point of contact for distribution to employees.
• Validate check count and assures accurate distribution of payroll packages to the programs.
• Maintains auditor records for biweekly payroll mass approvals.
• Maintains leave accrual records and makes all necessary adjustments and updates for rehires, terms, leaves, and transfers.
• Reconciles payroll prior to transmission and validate confirmed reports.
• Assist with garnishment questions and compliance.
• Provides support and assists leaders with time entry and Workday Time and Labor delegation questions.
• Processes accurate and timely year-end reporting when necessary (W-2, etc).
• Research, resolves, and responds to escalations from HR Service Center regarding escalated payroll inquiries.
• Interprets and communicates HR policies and procedures, both verbally and in writing. Communication channels include telephone, written inquiries, e-mail or other technological interfaces.
• Utilizes case management and knowledge application for research and documentation to update tickets for inquiries and issues when answering questions regarding payroll in a proactive and effective manner.
• Facilitates the use of employee self-service through customer interactions and support to resolve inquiries when applicable.
• Maintains a useful working knowledge of company policies, procedures, government regulations and business ethics.
• Participates in team or departmental meetings and individual meetings with Supervisor concerning own job performance.
• May research recurring inquiries and make recommendations to improve the process.
• Assists the team with knowledge transfer by cross training other team members.
• Enhances team productivity by documenting trends, escalating appropriately, and contributing to methods and procedures documents.
• Serves as subject matter expert for issues relating to HR processes and resolves complex payroll issues.
• Update leader on any process issues or improvements.

Qualifications:

• High school Diploma/GED and 7 years' experience in a related field (i.e. human resources, benefits administration, payroll, etc.). Three (3) years of this experience must be in payroll processing. The right candidate could also have a different combination, such as any level degree/certification beyond a High School Diploma/GED in a related discipline and 5 years' experience; or 9 years' experience in a related field.
• Experience providing service directly to customers; strong aptitude for helping customers and a customer experience focus.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state regulations as they pertain to payroll processing.
• Must be able to work in a highly structured environment.
• Strong computer skills and be able to navigate through multiple screens.
• Working knowledge of Workday, Time & Labor or related payroll systems.
• Ability to deal sensitively with confidential material.
• Strong interpersonal (verbal and written) communication skills.
• Detail oriented and data entry accuracy a must.

Preferred Qualifications:

• BA/AS/AA or Technical Certification in related discipline (i.e. Human Resources, Business, etc.).
• Ability to adapt to constant change.

USD 31.49 - 47.26 per hour
Compensation:
Hourly base pay rate is $31.49 - $47.26/hour. The hourly base rate may vary within the anticipated range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include commission (annual, monthly, etc.) and/or an incentive program.
Benefits:
Employees are eligible to receive a minimum of sixteen hours of paid time off every month and seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year. Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.
Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship.
About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is the largest private telecom company in America, serving six million homes and businesses. That's a lot, but we also proudly serve our employees. Our benefits and our award-winning culture are just two of the things that make Cox a coveted place to work. If you're interested in bringing people closer through broadband, smart home tech and more, join Cox Communications today!
About Cox
Cox empowers employees to build a better future and has been doing so for over 120 years. With exciting investments and innovations across transportation, communications, cleantech and healthcare, our family of businesses - which includes Cox Automotive and Cox Communications - is forging a better future for us all. Ready to make your mark? Join us today!
Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO). For more details on what benefits you may be offered, visit our benefits page .
Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer - All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual's age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Statement to ALL Third-Party Agencies and Similar Organizations: Cox accepts resumes only from agencies with which we formally engage their services. Please do not forward resumes to our applicant tracking system, Cox employees, Cox hiring manager, or send to any Cox facility. Cox is not responsible for any fees or charges associated with unsolicited resumes.