Senior Payroll Assistant
Corporate, NC
Full Time
Administration
Entry Level
Senior Payroll Assistant
Position Snapshot
Assist the Payroll Manager in the efficient operation of processing payroll. Perform duties related to payroll statistics, maintaining payroll control records, and calculating payrolls, in accordance with federal, state and local laws. Demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge of payroll software including the principles of operating Insteel’s payroll system. Competent in Insteel’s employee benefits as applied through payroll deductions; capable of applying the rules of garnishments, tax levies and regulations and other federal and state mandated deductions. Processes payroll location(s) as assigned and provides processing support to other payroll team members as needed. Provides recommendations and process improvement ideas applicable to the payroll function.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
An individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily.
Payroll Processing
- Gathers and enters information for producing Insteel Wire Products (“IWP”) plant payrolls as assigned;
- Serves as a back-up for Home Office payrolls;
- Calculates all manual checks and control voids, rewrites and stop payments;
- Interacts with sales, management, plant personnel and HR, as needed, regarding information and changes;
- Processes direct deposit transfers, unemployment information, employment verification, and weekly balance of tax information;
- Serves as a back-up for the Lead Payroll and Tax Specialist including the following responsibilities: weekly/quarterly company-wide filing of taxes, child supports and garnishments, weekly payment of 401k, processing weekly bank ACH and positive pay uploads, monthly payment of employee stock purchases and other pay deductions due third parties;
- Corrects general ledger account numbers that interface from payroll to the general ledger.
Compliance
- Reviews and ensures accurate interpretation of state, federal and local tax regulations in states where the Company operates;
- Shares responsibility of company-wide monthly, quarterly and year-end reporting and the balancing, production and reporting of Form W-2s and applicable tax forms as needed;
- Makes corrections during the year to ensure reconciliation of all reports.
Maintenance and Process Improvement
- Shares responsibility of company-wide payroll software maintenance and modification of current set up to meet ongoing needs including:
- accurate setup and system maintenance of SUI rates, tax jurisdiction by location and reciprocal tax agreements, and
- closure of SUI, SIT and local accounts and registration of new accounts;
- Interacts with internal technical support on problem solving and system testing as needed;
- Answers telephone, files, participates in special projects and tasks, team projects, and informative seminars;
- Shares responsibility for setting up the annual payroll calendar, running reports for auditors and maintaining the procedures manual;
- Provides recommendations and solutions to management for opportunities to streamline and automate existing processes; contributes technically and analytically to the achievement of these solutions.
Supervisory Responsibilities
None.
Professional Qualifications
- Strong attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy in data entry and recordkeeping
- Excellent organizational and time management skills; able to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
- Demonstrated initiative and resourcefulness in researching, troubleshooting, and resolving payroll issues
- Ability to read, interpret, and apply written policies, procedures, and technical instructions
- Capable of understanding and following oral instructions in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with integrity
- Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively within a team
- Customer service-oriented with strong interpersonal and communication skills
Education and Experience
- Associate degree in accounting, finance, or a related field preferred.
- Formal training or coursework in payroll functions is strongly desired.
- Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in payroll processing or a related role.
- Strong knowledge of payroll-related accounting principles, including wages, benefits, and tax accounting.
- Familiarity with federal and state wage taxation and reporting requirements.
- Proficient in preparing federal and state unemployment tax returns and year-end information statements.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, along with strong analytical abilities.
- Experience with Oracle Payroll is preferred.
- A combination of relevant education and experience may be considered in lieu of the stated requirements.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The physical demands of an office, desk job setting are generally low and primarily sedentary in nature. The role typically involves prolonged periods of sitting at a desk while working on a computer, with occasional standing, walking, or light lifting of items such as files, office supplies, or small equipment. Employees may also perform repetitive motions such as typing or using a mouse. Good posture and ergonomic workstations are important to minimize strain or discomfort. Overall, the physical requirements are minimal and well-suited to individuals capable of routine desk-based work in a standard office environment.
Work Environment
The work environmental characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The work environment for this position is typically professional and structured, centered around office-based tasks performed at a desk using a computer and standard office equipment such as printers, telephones, and copiers. Employees work in a clean, climate-controlled setting with air conditioning, designed to support comfort and productivity. The campus is tobacco-free, promoting a healthy and respectful atmosphere for all staff. This environment often includes quiet workspaces, access to meeting rooms, and a business-casual dress code, supporting both individual focus and team collaboration.
Equipment Used
A Senior Payroll Assistant typically uses specialized payroll software (such as Oracle), spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel, secure HR and accounting databases, timekeeping systems, and standard office equipment including computers, printers, and multi-line telephones to accurately process payroll, maintain employee records, and ensure compliance with tax and labor regulations.
For your hard work, you receive:
- Competitive base pay with bonus eligibility based on company performance
- Opportunity for professional growth
- Paid time off including holidays and vacation
- Excellent benefits to include medical, dental, vision, company paid life/short-term disability/long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings account (HSA), 401(k) with match, company paid tele-health, stock purchase plan, tuition reimbursement assistance, and Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
These duties may be modified or changed at any time at the sole discretion of management either orally or in writing. The above statements are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this position. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
INSTEEL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you are qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to consider applicants residing in locations outside the US requiring Visa sponsorship at this time.
About the Company:
Insteel Industries is the nation’s largest manufacturer of steel wire reinforcing products for concrete construction, including prestressed concrete strand and welded wire reinforcement such as engineered structural mesh and concrete pipe reinforcement. Founded in 1953 and headquartered in Mount Airy, NC, Insteel operates 11 manufacturing plants across the U.S. and has a dedicated engineering services division. As a publicly traded company, our goal is to be the supplier of choice by delivering superior value to our customers. Learn more at insteel.com/careers.
For your hard work, you receive:
- Competitive base pay with bonus eligibility based on company performance
- Opportunity for professional growth
- Paid time off including holidays and vacation
- Excellent benefits to include medical, dental, vision, company paid life/short-term disability/long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings account (HSA), 401(k) with match, company paid tele-health, stock purchase plan, tuition reimbursement assistance, and Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
These duties may be modified or changed at any time at the sole discretion of management either orally or in writing. The above statements are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this position. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
INSTEEL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you are qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to consider applicants residing in locations outside the US requiring Visa sponsorship at this time.
About the Company:
Insteel Industries is the nation’s largest manufacturer of steel wire reinforcing products for concrete construction, including prestressed concrete strand and welded wire reinforcement such as engineered structural mesh and concrete pipe reinforcement. Founded in 1953 and headquartered in Mount Airy, NC, Insteel operates 11 manufacturing plants across the U.S. and has a dedicated engineering services division. As a publicly traded company, our goal is to be the supplier of choice by delivering superior value to our customers. Learn more at insteel.com/careers.
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