Payroll Specialist

About the Company

Blue Bird Corporation, a publicly traded company on NASDAQ under BLBD, has been a pioneer in school bus innovation since 1927. The organization designs, engineers, and manufactures school buses with a strong emphasis on safety, durability, and reliability. It is widely known for advancing low- and zero-emission transportation, with more than 25,000 propane, natural gas, and electric buses delivered. Blue Bird is actively contributing to cleaner student transportation solutions.

Role Summary

This position reports to the Accounting Supervisor and carries full responsibility for payroll administration at Blue Bird. The role involves safeguarding employee private and protected information, responding to payroll-related inquiries, and ensuring payroll data is handled with accuracy and confidentiality. It calls for strong payroll-system knowledge, advanced math ability, and careful attention to detail and data integrity.

Key Duties

• Run payroll accurately, including pay, bonuses, commissions, deductions such as benefits and garnishments, and applicable taxes, with a strong preference for UKG-based processing.
• Maintain compliance with payroll, wage, and hour requirements at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Complete payroll reconciliations and audits on a regular basis to spot and correct differences, and support year-end and audit activities.
• Prepare payroll reports and annual tax-related statements, including W-2 forms.
• Respond to employee questions and concerns related to payroll.
• Look for opportunities to improve payroll workflows within UKG while staying current on changing regulations.
• Handle additional assignments as needed, including off-cycle payroll runs and garnishment processing.

Skills and Competencies

• Highly advanced Excel capability, including VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and analysis of large data sets.
• Solid understanding of payroll rules, tax legislation, and compliance obligations across federal, state, and local levels.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving ability with a proactive mindset.
• Clear written and verbal communication, along with professional interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organization and precision, with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-moving environment.
• Working knowledge of UKG payroll software is strongly preferred.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and integrity.

Education and Experience

• An associate degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related discipline is preferred.
• If no degree is held, at least 5 years of payroll experience is required, including experience with UKG.
• A high school diploma or GED is required.
• A minimum of 3 years of payroll experience is required.
• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must be authorized to work in the United States with proof of employment eligibility available at hiring.

What the Company Values

• Ability to anticipate customer needs and provide practical guidance.
• Strong relationship-building skills for handling difficult or sensitive matters.
• Project management capability, including exposure to complex or challenging work.
• Ability to influence stakeholders effectively.
• Skill in explaining complex information in a clear and understandable way.
• Comfort with flexible workspaces and working hours that support strong performance.
• Experience working collaboratively while balancing individual stakeholder needs with company goals.

Benefits and Additional Information

• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 14 paid holidays.
• Vacation time.
• 401(k) matching.
• The responsibilities and requirements listed are representative rather than exhaustive, and reasonable accommodations may be provided to support individuals with disabilities in performing essential job functions.
• Blue Bird is an equal opportunity employer and makes decisions based on merit while following all applicable employment laws and equal opportunity requirements.
• This role is open only to candidates who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and who can verify eligibility to work in the United States at the time of hire.
• Reference code: #ZR.