The UKG Ready Payroll Administrator serves as The Arc of Central Alabama's subject-matter expert for payroll processing within the UKG Ready platform, owning end-to-end payroll operations for employees across all programs and locations. This is a senior, certification-required payroll role: the Administrator configures and maintains UKG Ready payroll, timekeeping (TLM), and pay-rule settings; processes accurate and timely multi-cycle payroll; and troubleshoots complex payroll, tax, and system issues. Working closely with People Operations and Finance, the Administrator ensures compliant, confidential payroll records and leverages UKG Ready functionality to support a stable, well-compensated workforce serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Process bi-weekly and/or semi-monthly payroll for all employee populations within UKG Ready, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
- Configure and maintain UKG Ready payroll, timekeeping (TLM), pay rules, earnings/deduction codes, and accrual settings.
- Review and validate timekeeping data, including hours worked, overtime, shift differentials, and leave balances.
- Calculate and process wage deductions, garnishments, and benefits contributions within UKG Ready.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex payroll, tax, and UKG Ready system issues, escalating platform defects to UKG support as needed.
- Build and maintain payroll reports, dashboards, and audit queries within UKG Ready.
- Maintain accurate payroll records in compliance with federal, state, and organizational requirements.
- Respond to employee inquiries regarding pay, deductions, and payroll discrepancies.
- Coordinate with People Operations on new hires, terminations, and status changes affecting payroll.
- Manage quarterly and annual payroll tax filings and year-end W-2 processing within UKG Ready.
- Reconcile payroll reports with the general ledger in coordination with the Finance department.
- Support system upgrades, testing, and new-feature rollouts within the UKG Ready platform.
- Maintain confidentiality of employee compensation and personal information.
- Support internal and external audits and regulatory reporting related to payroll.
Preferred IDD-Focused Responsibilities
- Ensure the direct-care and clinical workforce serving people with IDD is paid accurately and on time, supporting staff stability and continuity of care.
- Uphold ethical, compliant payroll practices reflecting responsible stewardship of organizational and Medicaid waiver funds.
- Handle employee data with discretion and respect for privacy.
- Support People Operations and program leadership in maintaining a stable workforce dedicated to person-centered service delivery.
- Respond promptly and respectfully to payroll concerns raised by direct-care staff supporting people served.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED; associate or bachelor's degree in accounting, business, or a related field preferred.
- Five (5) or more years of payroll processing experience.
- Active UKG Ready (payroll and/or workforce management) certification required.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience administering payroll within the UKG Ready platform.
- Advanced proficiency with payroll software, timekeeping systems, and Microsoft Excel.
- Must pass a statewide/criminal background check confirming no convictions for any crime of violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation, or any felony offense.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screen.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee information.
Preferred Qualifications
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).
- Experience configuring UKG Ready payroll, TLM, pay rules, and accruals.
- Experience with multi-program or multi-location payroll processing.
- Experience in a non-profit or Medicaid-funded organization.
- Experience supporting HRIS/payroll system implementations or upgrades.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)
- Advanced knowledge of the UKG Ready payroll and timekeeping platform.
- Knowledge of payroll processing, tax withholding, and wage and hour regulations.
- Skill in configuring and maintaining payroll pay rules, earnings/deduction codes, and accruals in UKG Ready.
- Skill in building payroll reports, dashboards, and audit queries.
- Skill in accurate data entry and reconciliation.
- Ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex payroll and system issues independently.
- Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to recurring payroll deadlines.
Physical & Essential Functions
- Primarily sedentary office work involving extended periods of sitting and computer use.
- Occasional lifting of files or office supplies up to 15 lbs.
- Visual acuity for reviewing detailed payroll data.
- Ability to work at a computer screen for extended periods without adverse effect.
Work Environment
- Standard administrative office setting.
- Regular business-hours schedule with fixed, recurring pay-cycle deadlines.
- Minimal travel required.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The Arc of Central Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check, drug screen, and any health screenings required by the Alabama Department of Mental Health Community Waiver Program and the Alabama Medicaid Agency.
ADA / Reasonable Accommodation
The Arc of Central Alabama complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. The physical demands and work environment described in this requisition are representative of those an employee will encounter while performing the essential functions of the job. Applicants or employees who require an accommodation to participate in the application process or to perform the essential functions of the role should contact the People Operations department.
