Payroll Specialist

The Role

The Payroll Specialist is fully responsible for the end-to-end execution of U.S. and international payroll operations. This role is responsible for ensuring payroll is processed accurately, compliantly, and on time—every cycle. You will manage U.S. payroll while independently processing all international payroll through UKG and Activ Payroll.

This is more than a coordinator-level position. It requires foundational payroll expertise, analytical thinking, regulatory knowledge, and continuous professional development. You control your workflow, drive process improvements, and help build scalable global payroll infrastructure.

You will work cross-functionally with HRIS, Benefits, Finance, and external vendors to ensure a seamless employee experience while maintaining strict compliance with federal, state, local, and international payroll regulations.

Employee Value Proposition

• Significant autonomy and ownership of your function
• Strong culture and completely manageable work-life balance
• Continuous learning opportunities and leadership support
• Exposure to global payroll expansion and international compliance
• Meaningful process improvement work with visible impact
• Growth is self-directed — you can learn and expand your expertise as far as you choose

Key Performance Objectives (First 12 Months)

1. Full Ownership of U.S. Payroll

• Independently manage biweekly, off-cycle, and special payrolls with 99%+ accuracy.
• Ensure 100% on-time payroll processing.
• Maintain full compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour regulation.s

1. End-to-End International Payroll Management

• Process all international payroll in UKG and Activ Payroll from initiation through final reconciliation
• Establish compliant payroll processes for new countries in partnership with vendors.
• Maintain accurate global payroll documentation and regulatory compliance

1. Pre- and Post-Payroll Reconciliation

• Execute comprehensive payroll audits for each cycle
• Reconcile earnings, deductions, tax filings, and general ledger postings
• Identify and correct discrepancies before payroll finalization

Performance Accountabilities

Payroll Execution & Compliance

• Analyze, prepare, and enter U.S. and global payroll data with precision
• Ensure compliance with wage-and-hour laws and international payroll regulations
• Process legal deductions (garnishments, levies, child support) accurately and timely
• Handle manual adjustments, reversals, stop payments, and wire transfers
• Assist with quarter-end and year-end processing, including W-2 and W-2c preparation

International Payroll Expansion

• Partner with payroll vendors to establish compliant payroll processes in new countries
• Maintain regulatory awareness across multiple jurisdictions
• Respond to external agencies and insurance carriers regarding payroll records

Audit, Reporting, Controls

• Conduct regular audits of payroll and timekeeping systems
• Prepare materials for internal and external audits
• Create and maintain reports, queries, and analytics to support business needs
• Reconcile payroll system data and ensure accurate financial reporting

Systems Expertise

• Develop subject matter expertise in UKG and payroll configurations
• Collaborate with HRIS to ensure system functionality aligns with business needs
• Review timekeeping processes to ensure accuracy and compliance

Employee & Stakeholder Partnership

• Resolve employee payroll concerns professionally and efficiently
• Deliver high-quality internal customer service
• Build strong partnerships with HR, Finance, and Benefits teams
• Anticipate obstacles, communicate proactively, and plan accordingly

Flexibility & Responsiveness

• Support occasional off-hours processing as required by payroll cycles
• Maintain confidentiality of employee data and payroll records at all times

Performance Qualifications

Required

• 3+ years of payroll processing, accounting, or related experience
• Knowledge of federal and state wage-and-hour laws
• Experience with integrated payroll accounting systems
• Strong payroll reporting and reconciliation skills
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office and payroll software
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Business, HR, or related discipline
• UKG experience strongly preferred
• Experience in processing international payroll
• Bilingual Spanish
• Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC), Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), or Global Payroll Management Institute certifications

About Plexus

Founded in gut health. Experts in microbiome. Plexus Worldwide®, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a renowned direct-selling company recognized as a top employer. Over the past 17 years, Plexus has dedicated itself to promoting hope, health, and happiness through its scientifically backed, innovative dietary supplements, weight management products, and personal care products, sold primarily through Plexus Brand Ambassadors. As a six-time Best Places to Work awardee, Blue Zone-approved employer, and an AZ Most Admired Company, Plexus prides itself on its robust organizational culture and commitment to community support and philanthropy. Our team is driven by a shared mission to empower individuals to achieve their health and wellness goals while offering additional income through the sale of products. Join us to be part of a team that values people, innovation, wellness, and community impact.

Our Core Values

We contribute to the overall growth and success of Plexus by embracing the Plexus core values:

• We are One Plexus.
• We are accountable.
• We get the job done right.
• We empower others.

Benefits

• Highly rated and competitive medical plans.
• 401k with company match and immediate vesting.
• 1on1, personalized health coaching.
• Many other voluntary benefits.

Thank you for taking the time to apply for an opportunity with our One Plexus team! If you had any issues during the application process, please contact us directly at [email protected].

We are committed to protecting the privacy and security of your information. Visit our Candidate Privacy Notice for additional information.

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