Payroll Specialist L3 (ADP & UKG)

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.