Payroll Coordinator

Company Overview

Smurfit Westrock, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions, is dedicated to delivering innovative and scalable paper packaging products. Rooted in values of safety, loyalty, integrity, and respect, the company focuses on creating value for its stakeholders and the communities it serves.

Position Summary

The Payroll Coordinator role at Smurfit Westrock's Mahrt Mill in Cottonton, Alabama involves meticulous management of time and payroll records for approximately 500 hourly employees using Workforce Software (WFS). This role ensures precise payroll processing by reviewing and adjusting employee hours, overtime, and other pay-related data in line with company policies, labor contracts, and legal requirements. Collaboration with supervisors, HR, and employees is essential to address any discrepancies and guarantee timely payroll cycles.

Key Responsibilities

• Accurately review and update employee time records within Workforce Software (WFS).
• Input, modify, and rectify time data including regular hours, overtime, leave types such as vacation, holidays, personal days, jury duty, and bereavement, as well as other absence categories.
• Detect and resolve exceptions like missed punches or scheduling conflicts.
• Ensure compliance with company attendance policies and union agreements.
• Verify timecards for accuracy prior to payroll deadlines and secure necessary approvals.
• Communicate promptly with supervisors about missing or incorrect time entries.
• Perform payroll audits by investigating and correcting discrepancies.
• Produce and distribute timekeeping reports for management and stakeholders upon request.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all employee data related to payroll.
• Assist employees and supervisors with queries concerning WFS timekeeping processes.
• Keep thorough audit records for compliance and review purposes.
• Participate in system tests, upgrades, and initiatives to improve payroll and timekeeping procedures.
• Undertake additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

• Proven experience with timekeeping systems, preferably Workforce Software (WFS).
• Solid knowledge of payroll administration and timekeeping regulations.
• Ability to interpret complex attendance rules, overtime policies, and labor agreements.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in data management.
• Strong organizational and capacity to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving proficiency.
• Effective written and verbal communication capabilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, notably Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Upholds confidentiality standards when handling sensitive information.

Educational & Experience Requirements

• High school diploma or GED mandatory; Associate degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, Accounting, or related discipline is advantageous.
• Between 1 to 3 years' experience in payroll, timekeeping, HR, or related administrative role.
• Preference for candidates who have worked in manufacturing, industrial, or unionized settings.

Working Conditions & Additional Information

• Office environment located within an industrial facility.
• Regular interaction with staff across departments.
• Workload may intensify during payroll cycles, holidays, and special projects.
• Availability to work on most holidays to support payroll schedules is required.

Performance Metrics

• Maintaining accurate timekeeping records.
• Meeting payroll deadlines consistently.
• Minimizing payroll errors and corrections.
• Ensuring adherence to company policies and labor agreements.
• Timely responses to employee and management inquiries.

Additional Notes

Successful candidates must pass a drug screening before employment begins. Equal employment opportunity is provided regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected statuses.