Payroll Specialist L3 (ADP & UKG)

Location: Chennai, India (Work from Office)

Function: Payroll Operations

Career Level: L3

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Payroll Specialist L3 to serve as a key subject matter expert within our Payroll Operations team. This role is responsible for the seamless execution of end-to-end payroll processes for a diverse workforce, including high-volume hourly employees and salaried staff.

The ideal candidate will bring 5+ years of hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now (WFN), UKG, and Time Tracking systems, along with deep expertise in payroll administration, compliance, system configuration, audits, and process improvements. This position requires a professional who can effectively balance technical payroll system administration with exceptional service delivery to ensure employees are paid accurately and on time.

Key Responsibilities

End-to-End Payroll Management

Lead the accurate and timely processing of payroll across multiple pay groups, including weekly hourly and monthly salaried employees.
Validate payroll data, review exceptions, and ensure payroll accuracy before final processing.
Manage payroll-related inquiries and resolve complex payroll issues.

ADP Workforce Now Administration

Configure and maintain payroll components within ADP Workforce Now, including:
Earnings and deductions
Tax elections
Pay groups
Payroll workflows and business processes
Manage payroll reports, integrations, and system updates.

UKG Time Tracking Management

Administer and maintain UKG Time Tracking modules.
Configure and manage:
Pay policies
Pay codes
Overtime calculations
Premium pay rules
Work schedules
Ensure accurate integration of time and attendance data into payroll systems.

Audit & Compliance

Perform detailed audits of payroll and timekeeping data to identify and resolve discrepancies.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations and wage-and-hour laws.
Support internal and external audit activities.
Ensure adherence to SOX controls, company policies, and payroll governance standards.
Maintain documentation to support audit readiness.

Leadership & Mentorship

Provide day-to-day guidance, support, and training to Payroll Specialists.
Assist in resolving complex payroll exceptions and escalations.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address payroll system and process issues.

Process Improvement

Identify, recommend, and implement payroll process improvements.
Review, update, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Drive initiatives that improve efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
Ensure data integrity across payroll and time-tracking systems.

Year-End Payroll Processing

Lead year-end payroll activities, including W-2 validation and distribution.
Ensure completeness and accuracy of year-end reporting.
Manage payroll corrections, amendments, and employee inquiries related to year-end reporting.

Required Qualifications

Experience

Minimum 5+ years of hands-on experience in:
ADP Workforce Now (WFN)
UKG Workforce Management / Time Tracking
Payroll Operations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

Technical Skills

Strong expertise in ADP Workforce Now configuration and administration.
Experience configuring pay policies, pay codes, earnings, deductions, and payroll business processes.
In-depth knowledge of multi-state payroll processing and tax compliance.
Experience managing payroll reporting and third-party integrations.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including:
VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP
Pivot Tables
Data analysis and reconciliation
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Soft Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a focus on root cause analysis.
Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
Effective communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to meet strict payroll deadlines.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualification

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification preferred.

Payroll Specialist L3 (ADP & UKG)

Specialist - Global Payroll