Payroll Implementation Specialist

PROJECT COMPLETION BONUS - $5,000.00

This is an on-site position at our Oswego, NY location

Job Title:  Payroll Implementation Specialist

Department:  Human Resources

Reports To:  Vice President of Human Resources

Location:  Oswego, NY (Upstate New York)

Position Summary

The Payroll Implementation Specialist is responsible for leading the end-to-end implementation of Paycom as St. Luke’s new payroll system, while ensuring accurate, compliant payroll operations throughout the transition. This role serves as the payroll subject matter expert and project manager, responsible for learning and documenting St. Luke’s payroll policies, practices, collective bargaining agreement (CBAs), and existing pay rules.

The Specialist will support payroll operations across four companies with a combined workforce of approximately 300 employees. This role requires deep technical payroll knowledge, strong project management skills, and the ability to analyze complex pay practices to improve controls, reduce payroll costs, and standardize processes. Following implementation, this position will assume full responsibility for ongoing payroll processing in Paycom.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll System Implementation & Project Management

• Serve as project manager for the Paycom payroll implementation, ensuring timelines, milestones, testing, and deliverables are met.
• Partner with Paycom implementation consultants and internal stakeholders to configure the system accurately.
• Translate St. Luke’s policies, CBAs, and current payroll practices into Paycom system rules and configurations.
• Manage parallel payroll runs, system testing, data validation, and issue resolution.
• Provide regular status updates and escalate risks or issues to the VP of HR as needed.

Payroll Operations & Expertise

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of current payroll processes, including:
• Shift differentials
• Overtime and double overtime
• Premium pay and special earnings
• Multi-entity payroll structures
• Process payroll using existing systems (UKG Ready for timekeeping and ADP for payroll) during the transition period, as needed.
• Assume full responsibility for payroll processing in Paycom following go-live.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws and collective bargaining agreements.

Analysis, Controls & Cost Optimization

• Conduct a deep dive analysis of current payroll practices and internal controls.
• Identify inefficiencies, compliance risks, and payroll cost drivers.
• Develop and present recommendations to the CEO and VP of HR to improve payroll controls, accuracy, and cost effectiveness.
• Support leadership with payroll reporting and data analysis.

Documentation, Training & Change Management

• Create a comprehensive payroll processing manual documenting procedures, workflows, and controls.
• Develop and deliver training for managers and employees on the new payroll system and payroll expectations.
• Serve as the primary payroll point of contact during and after implementation.
• Communicate payroll changes clearly and effectively to all stakeholders.

Education & Experience Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent professional payroll experience.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive payroll experience, including hands-on payroll processing.
• Demonstrated experience leading or supporting a payroll system implementation.
• Experience working in a multi-entity payroll environment.
• Strong knowledge of wage and hour laws and payroll compliance.
• Experience interpreting and applying collective bargaining agreements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).
• Experience with Paycom, UKG Ready, and/or ADP.
• Project management experience or formal project management training.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proven project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate complex payroll concepts to diverse audiences.
• High level of discretion with confidential information.
• Strong documentation and training skills.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of outcomes.

Compensation & Incentives

• Salary Range: $70,000 – $75,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Implementation Completion Bonus: A one-time $5,000 bonus will be awarded upon the successful completion of the Paycom payroll implementation.

Bonus Terms & Conditions

• “Successful completion” is defined as:
• Full Paycom payroll system implementation
• Completion of parallel payroll testing
• Accurate and timely payroll processing in Paycom
• Formal project sign-off by the Vice President of Human Resources

• Bonus will be paid within 30 days following the first successful live payroll run in Paycom, unless otherwise determined by leadership.
• Employee must be actively employed and in good standing at the time of bonus payout.
• Bonus eligibility may be adjusted if project scope, timeline, or system requirements materially change.

Work Environment & Expectations

• This role may require flexible hours during payroll processing cycles and implementation milestones.
• Occasional meetings or training sessions outside of standard business hours may be required.
• This role requires other duties as assigned by the HR Manager and/or Vice President of Human Resources.