Payroll Specialist at The Eastern Company – Strongsville, Ohio

Eberhard Overview:

Eberhard is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of engineered security access solutions, recognized worldwide for our commitment to innovation and quality. Guided by our vision to be the First Choice for secure access solutions globally, we deliver on a mission rooted in a proud tradition of engineered excellence – to grow, elevate, and inspire our team and customers by providing innovative, reliable solutions and world-class experiences, while maximizing value for our shareholders. At the heart of our culture are our “CARE” values: Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, which shape how we work together and serve our partners every day. With strategic operations across the USA, Mexico, China, and Taiwan, Eberhard is proud to be a division of The Eastern Company (Nasdaq: EML), continuing a legacy of industrial leadership since 1859. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and growth-focused workplace that makes Eberhard a top global employer of choice.

Role Description:

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of weekly hourly payroll through Paylocity, ensuring all labor data is verified, entered, and reconciled in accordance with company policies and union agreements. This role maintains employee payroll records including taxes, earnings, deductions, and rate changes, while partnering closely with Manufacturing and HR to resolve payroll-related issues. The Payroll Specialist also serves as a key liaison with external benefit providers, supporting healthcare and retirement plan administration. In addition to payroll processing, this position provides critical reporting and analysis to Accounting and assists with year-end payroll balancing and compliance activities. The role cross-trains to support broader accounting functions, including accounts payable and receivable, and monthly close processes. A strong focus on accuracy, internal controls, SOX compliance, and continuous process improvement is essential for success in this position.

Core Responsibilities:

• Weekly processing of hourly payroll utilizing 3rd party payroll partner (Paylocity)
• Daily verification of labor tickets and data entry of employee cards into payroll system
• Maintain employee payroll records including taxes, earnings and deductions information
• Work closely with manufacturing and HR to process payroll and resolve open issues
• Communicate with outside groups including healthcare and retirement providers
• Provide monthly, quarterly and annual reporting and analysis as needed for accounting
• Assist with year-end payroll activities and balancing reports
• Update annual rate changes as needed based on union labor agreement
• Document procedures and identify opportunities for process improvement
• Cross-train and provide back-up support for other functions including accounts payable and receivable
• Assist with monthly, quarterly and year end accounting and closing activities as needed
• Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) and audit compliance
• Assist with receiving and processing daily vendor invoices into the accounts payable system, ensuring accuracy and proper coding

Minimum Experience, Skills, and Qualifications:

• College Degree or minimum of 5 years of applicable Payroll experience
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) to facilitate tasks between Accounting, HR, and Operations
• Team player with desire to grow within company
• The ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize situations requiring urgent attention and continuously improve processes is critical. Strong time management and organizational skills are required
• Demonstrated competencies in computer software -- MS Office (Outlook, Word & Excel, and Visual).

Employment with Eberhard Manufacturing is “at-will”, meaning that either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice, in accordance with Ohio law.

Eberhard Manufacturing Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are evaluated without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability/handicap status, genetic history information, or protected veteran status.