Payroll Specialist | Traverse City, MI

Salary Range: $49,000 - $76,000 depending on experience

Are you a skilled professional with a passion for excelling in payroll specialist? The Pivot Group is dedicated to building meaningful connections in the manufacturing community. We are collaborating with companies in Traverse City seeking experienced Payroll Specialists.

The Opportunity

We partner with manufacturers across Traverse City seeking Payroll Specialists who want more than a lateral move. These companies hire intentionally, and we connect them with professionals ready for roles that fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Process accurate and timely bi-weekly or weekly payroll for all manufacturing employees.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax laws and labor regulations.
• Manage and process all payroll deductions, including benefits, 401(k), and garnishments.
• Reconcile payroll data to timekeeping systems, general ledger, and benefit invoices.
• Address and resolve employee payroll inquiries and discrepancies promptly and accurately.
• Prepare and submit all required payroll tax filings and year-end reporting (e.g., W-2s).
• Maintain precise payroll records and employee data within the HRIS/payroll system.

Recommended Qualifications

• 3+ years of progressive payroll experience, preferably within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Proficient in payroll software (e.g., ADP, Kronos, Workday) and advanced Microsoft Excel for data analysis.
• In-depth understanding of federal and state payroll regulations, tax compliance, and multi-state payroll processing.
• Experience with complex payroll calculations, including shift differentials, overtime, bonuses, and union contracts.
• Demonstrated high level of accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to manage confidential information.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with union payrolls or collective bargaining agreements.
• Familiarity with timekeeping systems commonly used in manufacturing environments (e.g., Kronos, ADP eTime).
• Knowledge of payroll processes related to shift differentials, production bonuses, or piece-rate compensation structures.
• Experience with multi-state payroll processing for dispersed manufacturing facilities.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Payroll Specialist, Payroll Administrator, Payroll Coordinator, Payroll Analyst, Senior Payroll Specialist, HR & Payroll Specialist

Why Pivot Group

The Pivot Group was founded by manufacturing professionals who've been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic—they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and connect with a firm that values fit over speed, we invite you to reach out. The Pivot Group offers resources to support your search—market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we'll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.