Payroll Assistant Jobs in Rochester, MI (NOW HIRING)

Ascent Aerospace - Inspiring the next generation of flight!
Ascent Aerospace is a world-renowned, single-source provider of production and automated assembly systems for the aerospace and defense industry. We provide high-precision advanced automated equipment as well as a full suite of both mold and assembly tooling required for the aerospace manufacturing market, including the largest Invar molds ever made - making us the largest tooling group in the industry. We work with our customers to develop their project and see it through, from process engineering to build and installation, to ensure it is an efficient and cost-effective solution. As a true, single-source integrator, we have proven tools to surpass our customer expectations. We have greater control of timing and schedules, which allows for 100% accountability, and avoids costly mark-ups, ultimately saving our customers money. The result: a group of businesses, each an industry leader within their own discipline, now acting as one truly integrated supply base.
SUMMARY OF POSITION
The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of bi-weekly payroll while supporting HRIS administration and payroll compliance activities. This role serves as the primary point of contact for payroll processing, audits, reporting, and system administration within Dayforce. The Payroll Specialist will help drive payroll accuracy, process efficiency, data integrity, and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
This document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying the position:

• Process end-to-end bi-weekly payroll for multi-state employees accurately and on schedule.
• Review, audit, and validate payroll data including earnings, deductions, taxes, time records, garnishments, and adjustments.
• Prepare payroll audits, reconciliations, and reporting to ensure payroll accuracy and compliance.
• Maintain payroll records and support payroll-related reporting for Finance, HR, and leadership teams.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for Dayforce Payroll, including payroll processes, system functionality, and pay policies.
• Support HRIS administration including system maintenance, workflows, reporting, troubleshooting, and data integrity.
• Process and maintain garnishments, tax levies, and other payroll-related transactions.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, payroll tax regulations, and company policies.
• Prepare and support required year-end and compliance filings including W-2s, ACA reporting, and other payroll-related documentation.
• Identify opportunities for payroll process improvements, automation, and system optimization.
• Respond to employee and manager questions regarding payroll, deductions, taxes, and benefits-related payroll items.
• Partner with HR, Finance, and Accounting teams to support payroll operations and reporting needs.
• Support audits and provide documentation as requested.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

REQUIRED SKILLS EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and experience providing the required skills and knowledge for successful job performance will be considered. Typical qualifications would be:

• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field preferred.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred.
• Minimum of 5-6 years of payroll processing experience, including multi-state payroll administration.
• Previous experience processing payroll in Dayforce (Ceridian) preferred; strong HRIS experience required.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations, wage and hour laws, garnishments, and payroll tax requirements.
• Experience with payroll audits, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Previous SAP experience preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and reporting skills with advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency.
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements; therefore, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62 is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Effective speaking and listening skills.
• Ability to work on assignments where all tasks are not completely mapped.
• Should exhibit high levels of professionalism.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to think independently and problem solve.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• No

TRAVEL

• Limited overnight travel up to 2-3 times per year. Travel may be required to other sites locations during the work day.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Working conditions described here are representative of those that may be experienced by an employee on a daily basis while performing the functions of this job.

• Typically sits for extended periods at a computer workstation.
• May access and work in the manufacturing plant.
• While performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes and airborne particles.
• The employee may be exposed to vibration.
• The employee is occasionally exposed to caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• May be required to travel to other site locations during the work day.
• May be required to work weekends to meet department and business demands.
• Work with safe manufacturing processes and understand that eyewear is mandatory in the manufacturing area.
• Knows that safety shoes are recommended in the manufacturing area.

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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

• Must be able to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Must be able to see, talk, hear, touch, feel and reach with hands and arms.
• Must be able to frequently walk & stand for short periods of time.
• Must be able to lift and move up to 10 pounds, occasionally lift and move objects up to 35 lbs.

BENEFITS

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• AD&D Insurance
• PTO
• 401k Match

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Employment is contingent upon successfully passing an employee reference check, criminal background check, and drug screening.
This position requires use of information that is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder').
Ascent Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. If you have a disability and you believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please call toll-free +1 586-726-0500. This phone number is created exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response.
No Unauthorized Referrals from Recruiters & Vendors
Please note that Ascent Aerospace does not seek or accept unsolicited resumes or offers from third party recruiters or staffing agencies associated with any published or unpublished employment opportunities. Any unsolicited information sent to Ascent Aerospace will be considered as unencumbered and free from any fee or charge whatsoever. Only members of our Human Resources Team have the authority to engage or authorize recruiting services, which must be agreed upon before the unsolicited resume or offer is received.