Payroll Specialist | Kalamazoo, MI

Salary Range: $47,000 - $72,000 depending on experience

Are you a seasoned professional with a passion for excelling in payroll specialist? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting community growth. We are collaborating with leading companies in Kalamazoo seeking Payroll Specialists to lead and enhance their operations.

We are building our network of talent in this field across West Michigan and the broader manufacturing region Pivot Group Network serves. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Kalamazoo region seeking Payroll Specialists. These employers partner with us because they want real insight into candidates—not just resumes. By joining our network, you gain access to roles worth considering.

Key Responsibilities

• Process weekly payroll for all manufacturing employees, including hourly and salaried.
• Ensure accurate calculation of wages, overtime, commissions, and deductions in compliance with company policy and federal/state regulations.
• Manage timecard collection and approval process, working closely with production supervisors.
• Prepare and submit federal and state tax filings, workers' compensation reports, and other required payroll-related reports.
• Reconcile payroll general ledger accounts and resolve any discrepancies.
• Administer employee benefits deductions, such as health insurance, 401k, and garnishments.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding pay, deductions, and tax information.
• Maintain accurate and confidential payroll records.

Recommended Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience processing end-to-end payroll for 500+ employees in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with payroll software (e.g., ADP Workforce Now, UKG Pro) and timekeeping systems.
• In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax laws and regulations, including multi-state payroll.
• Experience with payroll for both hourly and salaried employees, including understanding of shift differentials, overtime, and incentive pay.
• Strong understanding of general ledger reconciliation related to payroll.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with Infor CloudSuite (CSI/Syteline) or similar ERP systems prevalent in manufacturing.
• Familiarity with union collective bargaining agreements and their impact on payroll calculations.
• Certification such as Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).
• Proven ability to optimize payroll processes and leverage technology for efficiency gains.
• Experience with multi-state payroll in a manufacturing environment.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Payroll Specialist, Payroll Administrator, Payroll Coordinator, Payroll Clerk, Payroll Manager, Payroll Analyst, HR & Payroll Specialist, Payroll & Benefits Specialist, Senior Payroll Specialist, Payroll Associate

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network was founded by manufacturing professionals who've been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic—they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory. Learn more at https://www.thepivotgroup.org.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and connect with a firm that values fit over speed, we invite you to reach out at https://www.thepivotgroup.org. The Pivot Group Network offers resources to support your search—market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we'll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.