Payroll Specialist

Job DescriptionJob SummaryThe Payroll Specialist is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely processing of payroll for all employees. This role involves calculating wages, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and maintaining accurate records. The Payroll Specialist will also address payroll-related inquiries and support the HR and finance teams as needed.Key Responsibilities Payroll Processing:Process semi-monthly payroll for employees. Ensure accurate calculation of wages, including overtime, bonuses, and deductions. Prepare and process payroll changes, such as new hires, terminations, and promotions. Manage and maintain our employee Reimbursement tool, Ramp. Compliance:Stay current with federal, state, and local payroll regulations. Ensure compliance with wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and company policies. File payroll tax reports and ensure timely payment of taxes. Record Keeping:Maintain accurate and confidential employee payroll records. Prepare and distribute pay stubs and end-of-year tax documents (e.g., W-2s). Reconcile payroll discrepancies and address any issues promptly. Reporting:Generate and analyze payroll reports for internal and external use. Assist with financial audits and prepare necessary documentation. Provide regular payroll metrics and trends to management. Employee Support:Respond to payroll-related inquiries from employees in a professional and timely manner. Assist employees with payroll issues and resolve discrepancies. System Management:Utilize payroll software and tools for processing and reporting. Collaborate with IT or software providers to resolve system issues and implement upgrades. Other Duties:Support HR and finance teams with various tasks as needed. Participate in payroll-related projects and initiatives. Assist with Accounts Payable as required to help with coverage. Qualifications Education:Degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field preferred; High School diploma or equivalent required. Experience:2-3 years of experience in payroll processing or a similar role. Experience with payroll software (e.g., ADP, UKG, Paycom) is preferred. Experience with Payroll system migration a plus. Skills:Strong knowledge of payroll regulations and tax laws. Excellent attention to detail and accuracy. Strong organizational and time management skills. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook). Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion. Personal Attributes:Strong problem-solving skills. Good communication skills, both verbal and written. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Company DescriptionFounded in 1987 as a small audiobook company, 2022 marks Blackstone’s 35th anniversary. With a fresh perspective on the reading experience, the founders thought up new and innovative methods to not only produce and distribute audiobooks, but also pioneered creative ways to collaborate with publishers, booksellers, and the audiobook listening community. The new print publishing venture, launched in 2015, is built upon this foundation and has continued to grow and innovate in the publishing industry. Our goal is to publish groundbreaking books by talented writers, and to forge long-term connections with readers, booksellers, librarians, and the overall literary community. We’re thrilled to be working with bestselling authors like P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast, Shelley Shepard Gray, Nicholas Sansbury Smith, Cadwell Turnbull, Catherine Ryan Howard, and Cory Doctorow to publish print books, e-books, and audiobooks, furthering our commitment to bringing entertaining stories to as many people as possible in the most creative and innovative ways imaginable.Blackstone offers a friendly digital and physical working environment and full benefits including health and dental plans, a retirement plan with employer contribution, and generous and flexible PTO. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all applicants without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, ethnic derivation, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. This position is remote-friendly.Founded in 1987 as a small audiobook company, 2022 marks Blackstone’s 35th anniversary. With a fresh perspective on the reading experience, the founders thought up new and innovative methods to not only produce and distribute audiobooks, but also pioneered creative ways to collaborate with publishers, booksellers, and the audiobook listening community. The new print publishing venture, launched in 2015, is built upon this foundation and has continued to grow and innovate in the publishing industry. Our goal is to publish groundbreaking books by talented writers, and to forge long-term connections with readers, booksellers, librarians, and the overall literary community. We’re thrilled to be working with bestselling authors like P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast, Shelley Shepard Gray, Nicholas Sansbury Smith, Cadwell Turnbull, Catherine Ryan Howard, and Cory Doctorow to publish print books, e-books, and audiobooks, furthering our commitment to bringing entertaining stories to as many people as possible in the most creative and innovative ways imaginable. Blackstone offers a friendly digital and physical working environment and full benefits including health and dental plans, a retirement plan with employer contribution, and generous and flexible PTO. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all applicants without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, ethnic derivation, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. This position is remote-friendly.