Payroll Specialist | Muskegon, MI

Salary Range: $53,000 - $80,000 depending on experience

Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for excelling as a payroll specialist? The Pivot Group Network, a Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We partner with leading manufacturing companies in the Muskegon area seeking experienced Payroll Specialists to strengthen their teams.

We are building our network of talent in this field across Michigan's manufacturing regions. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

This posting covers Payroll Specialist opportunities with manufacturers based in and around Muskegon in Muskegon County, within about 30 minutes of the city, including Muskegon Heights and North Muskegon.

The Opportunity

We partner with manufacturers across the Muskegon area 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.

Usual Responsibilities

• Reconcile payroll totals against general ledger entries.
• Maintain employee payroll records and update changes to pay rates or status.
• Respond to employee questions about paychecks, taxes, and deductions.
• Support quarter-end and year-end payroll tax filings and reporting.
• Process weekly and biweekly payroll for hourly and salaried employees.
• Review timecards and correct missing punches, overtime, and shift differentials.
• Calculate and apply garnishments, deductions, and benefit withholdings.
• Prepare payroll reports for accounting and plant management.

Recommended Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy with numbers.
• Ability to handle confidential employee information.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two or more years of payroll processing experience.
• Working knowledge of federal and state payroll tax rules.
• Experience with payroll software and timekeeping systems.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Workday.
• Experience with payroll in a manufacturing or plant setting.
• Associate or bachelor degree in accounting, finance, or business.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).
• Familiarity with multi-state payroll and union contract pay rules.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Payroll and Benefits Specialist, Accounting Specialist, HR Payroll Specialist, Time and Attendance Specialist, Payroll Processor, Payroll Coordinator, Payroll Administrator, Payroll Clerk, Payroll Analyst

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship. Visa sponsorship is not available.

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 at https://www.thepivotgroup.org. The Pivot Group Network 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.