Payroll Specialist | Kentwood, MI

Salary Range: $51,000 - $78,000 depending on experience

Are you a forward-thinking professional with a passion for excelling in payroll specialist? The Pivot Group is committed to fostering meaningful relationships in the manufacturing community. We partner with companies in Kentwood seeking skilled Payroll Specialists.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Kentwood region seeking Payroll Specialists. These employers partner with us because they want real insight into candidates—not just resumes. By joining our network, you gain access to roles worth considering.

Key Responsibilities

• Process accurate weekly or bi-weekly payroll for all manufacturing employees, including hourly, salaried, and shift differentials.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax laws, union contracts, and company policies.
• Manage and reconcile timekeeping data from shop floor systems, resolving discrepancies with supervisors.
• Administer all payroll deductions, including taxes, benefits, 401k, and court-ordered garnishments.
• Prepare and submit all required payroll tax filings and reports accurately and on time.
• Maintain detailed and confidential payroll records, updating employee information and pay changes.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding pay, deductions, and time off balances.

Recommended Qualifications

• Proven experience processing full-cycle payroll, specifically for hourly employees in a manufacturing or industrial setting.
• Proficiency with major payroll software (e.g., ADP Workforce Now, UKG Pro) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local payroll regulations, tax compliance, and FLSA guidelines.
• Demonstrated experience utilizing time and attendance systems (e.g., Kronos, ADP eTime) and managing complex hourly calculations including shift differentials and overtime.
• Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and the ability to meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience processing payroll for a manufacturing workforce, including shift differentials and production bonuses.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Workday) integrated with manufacturing timekeeping.
• Familiarity with union collective bargaining agreements as they relate to payroll.
• Advanced Excel skills for complex data analysis and reporting.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Payroll Specialist, Payroll Administrator, Payroll Coordinator, Payroll Processor, Payroll Analyst, Payroll Clerk, Senior Payroll Specialist, HR Payroll Specialist, Payroll Officer

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.