The posting
Payroll Specialist
Payroll and Finance Career Opportunity
Pay
$24.94–$28.89 per hour
Location
1201 East 7th Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33605
Division
Finance
Closing date
Filled
Requisition
26-061
Area of interest
Payroll
Support Accurate and Timely Employee Pay
HART is seeking a Payroll Specialist to independently manage advanced payroll transactions and help deliver accurate, timely biweekly payroll. Working with Finance, Human Resources, Operations and Risk, you will validate employee hours, apply pay rules, resolve complex discrepancies, and maintain reliable payroll records. This role applies provisions of the ATU and Teamsters labor contracts, the Non-Bargaining Handbook, and applicable payroll requirements, while supporting the Payroll Manager.
Why Choose HART
- Put your payroll expertise to work supporting the employees who keep public transportation moving.
- Use your analytical and problem-solving skills across payroll processing, reconciliation and reporting.
- Contribute to stronger payroll processes, internal controls and effective use of ADP and Trapeze.
What You Will Do
- Independently process and review complex payroll transactions, validate employee hours, and meet established payroll schedules, policies, procedures and applicable requirements.
- Process retroactive pay, wage corrections, supplemental payments, final pay, off-cycle checks, tax withholding adjustments, benefit deductions and other corrections. Set up and maintain garnishments in ADP.
- Interpret and apply payroll policies, collective bargaining provisions, and applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. Research escalated employee inquiries, identify root causes and resolve pay discrepancies.
- Review payroll data and preview check registers before processing; make corrections and verify accuracy after processing.
- Use Trapeze to create operator work-hour files for transfer to ADP. Validate exceptions against Operations Control Center attendance, run and block status, Extra Board run assignments and operator markup records; upload completed files through the designated ADP transfer website.
- Maintain the payroll markup binder for each new markup and update operator run changes and selections throughout the markup period.
- Monitor employees on extended absences or paid return to duty each pay period to ensure paid and unpaid hours are accurate in ADP timecards.
- Prepare thirteen-week wage statements for workers’ compensation claims, maintain supporting payroll documentation, and enter light-duty hours using Risk Department-approved timesheets.
- Reconcile payroll to the general ledger; research and resolve differences involving accounting records, benefit deductions, tax liabilities and related financial systems.
- Prepare check requests and supporting documentation for payroll deductions paid through Accounts Payable or ACH.
- Prepare and analyze payroll reports, reconciliations and supporting records for management, Finance, auditors and other stakeholders; provide authorized information in response to records requests.
- Support internal and external audits and year-end payroll reporting by researching transactions, gathering documentation, and reconciling taxable wages, deductions and employee wage-statement information.
- Maintain current payroll knowledge and recommend or help implement improvements to processes, controls, documentation and system use.
- Serve as a technical payroll resource. When assigned, train, mentor, guide or review the work of other payroll personnel. Assist the Payroll Manager and perform other related duties as assigned.
What Success Looks Like
- Employees receive accurate pay on time, with complex adjustments and exceptions resolved and documented.
- Payroll records, general ledger reconciliations and reporting are complete, accurate and ready for review.
- Pay rules are applied consistently, employee questions receive clear responses, and sensitive information remains secure.
What You Bring
Required
A combination of education, training and experience equivalent to:
- An associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources or a related field.
- Two (2) to four (4) years of experience in payroll, accounting, human resources, timekeeping or a related administrative role.
- Experience using payroll and timekeeping systems; ADP, Trapeze or similar software is preferred.
- Knowledge of payroll administration, wage and tax requirements, withholding, garnishments, levies, benefit deductions, payroll accounting and general ledger reconciliation.
- Ability to interpret and apply collective bargaining pay provisions, payroll policies, internal controls, audit requirements and recordkeeping procedures.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and the ability to use payroll, human resources and related financial systems.
- Strong accuracy, analytical and organizational skills; ability to research discrepancies, exercise independent judgment and meet strict deadlines.
- Clear oral and written communication and effective working relationships with employees, management, Finance, Human Resources, benefit providers and auditors.
- Ability to provide technical guidance and work review when assigned and operate standard office equipment.
Preferred
- Experience working in a unionized environment.
- Experience supporting payroll or timekeeping system implementations or migrations.
No licenses or certifications are required.
Confidentiality and Discretion
Safeguard employee payroll, tax, banking, compensation, benefits, personal and other protected information. Limit access, use and disclosure to authorized business purposes and individuals with a legitimate need to know. Follow applicable laws, HART policies and internal controls; maintain appropriate privacy and security safeguards; and immediately report suspected unauthorized access, disclosure, loss or misuse. Sound judgment, discretion and confidentiality are essential responsibilities and conditions of employment.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
Work is generally performed in a professional office environment with extended periods of computer and keyboard use. The role requires sustained concentration and accuracy under strict payroll deadlines while handling confidential information. Physical activities include standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting objects weighing up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Safety and Security Responsibilities
Help maintain a safe and secure environment for customers, contractors, visitors and coworkers. Follow health, safety, security and quality-management policies; recognize and report accidents and hazardous conditions; assist with the development and promotion of departmental safety procedures; and properly use and care for assigned equipment and materials. HART provides appropriate safety and equipment training as required.
Apply to Join HART
When this opportunity is open, apply for Payroll Specialist, requisition 26-061, through HART Employment. Highlight your payroll and timekeeping systems experience, reconciliation work, and experience applying complex pay rules.
Equal Employment Opportunity and Accommodations
HART is committed to equal employment opportunity for all persons, regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other status protected by federal or state law. Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application and interview process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
This requisition describes the general nature and level of work and is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, qualifications or working conditions. Employees may perform other related duties as assigned.
It is the responsibility of all HART employees to provide a safe and secure environment for HART customers, contractors, visitors and fellow co-workers. HART employees are also responsible for:
- Adhering to stated policies and procedures relating to health and safety, security, and quality management.
- Recognizing and reporting all accidents and hazardous conditions.
- Assisting in the development of workplace safety procedures for their respective departments.
- Promoting workplace safety procedures within their department.
- Adhering to procedures relating to the proper use and care of equipment and materials for which the role has responsibility.
Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All employees may perform other duties as assigned.
The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.
EEO Compliance: HART is committed to equal employment opportunity for all persons, regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or other status protected by Federal or State law.
ADA Compliance: Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application process and/or interview process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
