Payroll & Operation Specialist

Payroll & Operation SpecialistHere at Spirax Sarco we offer the industry's most extensive range of products with services, coupled with practical industry application expertise. In short, we build solutions that set the benchmark for steam utilization worldwide.Payroll & Operations SpecialistDepartment: FinanceReports To: Controller (Finance)Dotted Line: Vice President, Human ResourcesFLSA Status: Exempt or Non-Exempt (based on role scope)Key Partnerships: Human Resources, Accounting, External Payroll VendorsLocation: Blythewood, South Carolina (Columbia South Carolina area)Position SummaryThe Payroll & Operations Specialist is a Finance-based role responsible for the accurate execution of payroll, financial reconciliation, and compliance with regulatory and accounting requirements. This role maintains a strong dotted-line relationship to Human Resources to ensure alignment of employee data, payroll-impacting transactions, and employee experience, while upholding financial controls and reporting integrity.Payroll Administration & Financial ManagementEnd-to-end ownership of payroll processing, including all earnings types (standard, variable)Validate all payroll-impacting transactions in partnership with HRMaintain compliance with wage and hour laws, payroll regulations, and internal policiesPerform tasks related to funding, accruals, and reconciliationsPrepare payroll journal entries and support close activitiesReconcile payroll accounts and resolve discrepanciesOversee payroll taxes, garnishments, and deductionsCoordinate 401(k) funding and reconciliationFinancial Reporting & ControlsPrepare payroll accruals and support financial close timelinesEnsure strong internal controls aligned with compliance requirementsSupport internal and external auditsMaintain data integrity across systemsProvide reporting for forecasting and workforce planningHR Systems & Operational AlignmentMaintain accurate employee data across HRIS and payroll systemsPartner with HR to align data and transactionsSupport lifecycle transactions (hire, change, LOA, termination)Support onboarding and offboarding from payroll perspectiveManage system access provisioning and removalMaintain SOP documentationStakeholder Support & Continuous ImprovementServe as primary contact for payroll inquiriesAct as liaison between Finance, HR, and vendorsIdentify process improvementsSupport cross-functional initiativesQualifications - RequiredBachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Finance, Accounting, or related field3-5 years payroll experienceExperience with ADPKnowledge of multi-state payroll and complianceExperience with reconciliations and auditsProficiency in payroll systems and ExcelStrong analytical skills and attention to detailQualifications - PreferredExperience in SOX environmentAdvanced Excel skillsFidelity PSW experienceExperience in multi-entity organizationsCore CompetenciesFinancial accuracy and controls mindsetCross-functional collaborationAnalytical and problem-solving abilityClear communicationContinuous improvementAbout Us & Why Join UsSpirax Sarco is a global engineering organization specializing in steam and thermal energy management solutions that support critical industrial processes across sectors such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, oil and gas, and manufacturing.

Our mission is to deliver safe, efficient, and sustainable energy solutions that help customers improve reliability, reduce energy use and emissions, and meet regulatory and sustainability goals. Operating in over 60 countries with global manufacturing and locally based engineering teams, we combine strong engineering expertise, innovation, and a deep customer focus to deliver tailored solutions and measurable results. Joining Spirax Sarco means being part of a purpose-driven, customer-centric organization where your work makes a real global impact.

We invest in our people through meaningful work, continuous learning, and clear development pathways, offering opportunities to collaborate with skilled professionals and tackle real-world challenges. Guided by a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, safety, and wellbeing, we foster a supportive and inclusive culture where people are empowered to grow, take ownership, and build rewarding, sustainable careers while helping shape safer, more efficient, and more sustainable industries worldwide.