Part-time Payroll Specialist (UKG)

NOVA Engineering and Environmental is currently seeking a Part-time Payroll Specialist in our Kennesaw, Georgia office. This is a hybrid role reporting directly to the Vice President, Human Resources.

The part-time Payroll Specialist is responsible for end-to-end payroll operations, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing. This role requires deep expertise with UKG Pro payroll system, strong analytical skills, and the ability to support a diverse workforce The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative, deadline-driven environment and brings a high level of precision, confidentiality, and customer service.

The part-time Payroll Specialist is expected to work up to 24 hours during payroll weeks, with fewer hours during non-payroll weeks. It is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll professional reentering the workforce or seeking improved work-life balance through a part-time schedule.

Responsibilities

Payroll Processing

• Process biweekly payroll for salaried and hourly employees using UKG Pro, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Post weekly timesheets in Deltek Vantagepoint ERP system; review and validate timesheets for accuracy in recording overtime, holidays and other special considerations.
• Maintain payroll records in UKG Pro, including earnings, deductions, garnishments, and adjustments.
• Ensure accurate benefit deductions through review and reconciliation of missed deductions, prorating calculations, and processing updates for each biweekly payroll.
• Review and reconcile payroll reports prior to final submission; proactively identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Ensure accurate tax treatment for multi-state employees and F-1 visa holders.

Compliance & Reporting

• Serve as the subject matter expert for payroll processes, system functionality, and compliance, ensuring adherence to FLSA, multi-state wage and tax laws, and company policies.
• Prepare, analyze, and distribute payroll reports for Finance and HR leadership, including month-end reporting and payroll reconciliations.
• Manage year-end payroll activities, including W-2 processing, taxable benefits, audits, reconciliations, and related compliance reporting.
• Review payroll tax filings, reconcile payroll tax liabilities, and coordinate with UKG to resolve notices and discrepancies.
• Support internal and external audits, providing documentation and explanations as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality and data integrity at all times.

Employee Support

• Partner with HR to resolve discrepancies or complex payroll issues.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience, including advanced hands-on processing in UKG Pro.
• Strong understanding of payroll laws, multi-state taxation, and compliance requirements.
• High proficiency with Excel (VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, pivot tables, data validation and analysis).
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and analytical thinking.
• Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with project-based timekeeping or ERP systems (e.g., Deltek, Oracle, SAP).
• Experience supporting a professional services or engineering consulting workforce.
• CPP or FPC certification.

Success Profile

A successful Payroll Specialist in this environment is:

• Detail-driven — catches discrepancies before they become issues.
• Tech-savvy — leverages UKG Pro to its fullest potential.
• Service-oriented — supports employees with clarity and empathy.
• Deadline-focused — thrives in a predictable payroll cycle with occasional project-driven urgency.
• Proactive — anticipates issues and implements solutions before they impact employees.
• Collaborative — partners seamlessly with HR, Finance, and administrative teams.