The Payroll Associate is a key member of the payroll team responsible for supporting the accurate preparation and processing of weekly payrolls for both union and non-union associates. This position provides foundational payroll experience, with a primary focus on accuracy, compliance, and service. Responsibilities include proficient data entry for onboarding union personnel and providing support to associates regarding payroll and tax-related inquiries and concerns.

Key Contributions of the Role

• Accurately enter and manage paper timecards submitted from show sites on a daily and weekly basis, ensuring compliance with the union’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) timekeeping requirements.
• Partner with supervisors to process timecards, ensure accurate job coding, and identify and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Onboard union new hires into the payroll system, ensuring accurate setup of associate records, including wage rates, union assignments, tax withholdings, and required demographic and employment information.
• Provide on-site payroll support at show locations as needed, based on operational considerations such as show size, new hire volume, payroll processing timelines (e.g., holiday schedules), geographic requirements, and union-specific payroll obligations.
• Complete the E-Verify process in Equifax for newly hired or rehired union personnel.
• Communicate effectively with labor unions and maintain union contract files and rate spreadsheets.
• Investigate and resolve payroll-related inquiries and disputes for both union and non-union associates, providing support in person and via phone with a focus on timely and accurate resolution.
• Distribute payroll checks in-house and coordinate shipping throughout the country.
• Administer weekly child support payments, garnishments, and levies for union and non-union associates, managing a high-volume workload with accuracy and confidentiality.
• Liaise with the payroll tax preparer regarding tax notices and issues.
• Organize and maintain union associate personnel files, ensuring all required documentation is completed, properly recorded, and readily accessible for audit and compliance purposes.

Requirements

• 2+ years of payroll experience preferred; experience processing union and non-union payrolls is a plus.
• Possess strong math skills with a high degree of accuracy.
• Demonstrate advanced 10-key data entry skills with high accuracy and speed/ 100-150 keystrokes per minute.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent telephone etiquette and customer service skills.
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and experience using automated payroll systems.
• Familiarity with company-approved AI-forward tools (e.g., Copilot and Claude) is preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish or Vietnamese is a plus.
• Basic understanding of applicable labor laws, including federal, state, and local tax regulations, wage and hour guidelines, privacy standards, and collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).
• Willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays based on business needs.
• This role requires on-site presence five (5) days per week. Remote or hybrid arrangements are not available for this position.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; FPC certification is a plus.

Aligning With our Values for Success

• Demonstrate Core Values of Caring, Commitment, Integrity, Spirit, Responsiveness, Inclusivity, and Teamwork.
• Ability to perform as a responsible ESOP owner, by making daily decisions to benefit the client and the company.
• Treat all internal and external customers with courtesy and respect, as outlined in our Blue Diamond Customer Service Program.

Shepard is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, color, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military status, veteran status, non‑disqualifying physical or mental disability, or any other non‑merit factor. All employment decisions are made based on business need, job requirements, individual qualifications, and merit.

Benefits

Pay Range: $23.00-$26.00 per hour

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life and Disability Insurance
• 401(k)