Payroll Operations Leader and Compliance Specialist

Michelle Young

Payroll Specialist Lead (Payroll Processor)

Payroll Operations • Compliance • Timekeeping • Audit Readiness

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Payroll and compliance professional with extensive experience executing accurate, timely weekly payroll for hourly workforces while ensuring full compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour regulations. Highly skilled in auditing timecards, resolving payroll discrepancies, processing adjustments, and partnering with employees and leaders to support smooth payroll operations. Known for integrity, attention to detail, and process improvements that reduced payroll errors by 30% and significantly strengthened audit outcomes.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Payroll Specialist Lead (Payroll Processor)

O’Shea Builders

02/2023 – Present

Execute accurate and timely weekly payroll for hourly and salaried employees in accordance with company deadlines and internal policies

Weekly audit electronic timecards for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with wage and hour laws as well as union agreements

Identify, research, and resolve payroll and timekeeping discrepancies including missed punches, incorrect pay codes, and overtime variances

Process payroll adjustments including retroactive pay, overtime, corrections, bonuses, and special payments

Collaborate with supervisors and leaders to validate hours worked and resolve payroll issues efficiently and timely

Maintain payroll records and documentation in compliance with internal controls and regulatory requirements

Ensure payroll operations align with federal, state, local, and union regulations while delivering responsive, employee-focused service

Partner with HR and Finance on payroll inquiries, reporting, and continuous process improvement

Ensure all withholdings align to the proper tax documents

Compliance, Reporting & Specialized Payroll

Manage all payroll garnishments, including child support, tax levies, and creditor orders

Oversee payroll tax processing, filings, reconciliations, and issue resolution with taxing authorities

Administer profit-sharing payments and 401(k) contributions (weekly), ensuring accurate deductions and timely funding

Coordinate union benefits, workers’ compensation reporting, unemployment claims, wage verifications and verifications of employment

Serve as primary payroll contact for internal and external audits, providing documentation and responding to findings

Ensure accurate and timely quarterly 941’s are prepared and submitted

Process Improvements & Systems Enhancements

Assisted in developing and enhancing the company’s timekeeping system to better support payroll accuracy, compliance, and operational needs

Collaborated with HR, Finance, and field leadership to configure pay rules, approval workflows, and reporting

Developed and implemented detailed SOPs for field and office staff to ensure consistent and accurate reporting

Trained employees and supervisors on payroll and timekeeping procedures

Train all new hires on payroll and timekeeping system and company offered benefits

Implemented improvements that reduced payroll errors by 30%

Strengthened payroll documentation and controls, resulting in significantly improved audit outcomes

Auditor

Ringold Financial – Chicago, IL

02/2020 – 05/2024

Prepared and reviewed GAAP-compliant financial packages for for-profit, nonprofit, and governmental entities

Conducted risk management and compliance audits including payroll, employee benefits, grants, and operating expenses

Reviewed and validated client payroll and benefits for accuracy and compliance

Maintained client financials including payroll, AP/AR, contracts, bank reconciliations, and GL accounts

Prepared Auditor’s Reports, management letters, SEFA schedules, findings, and corrective action plans

Reviewed federal and state grant expenditures and compliance requirements

Processed and reviewed CARS/GOMB cases and state compliance reports (SB05, SCO-567, SCO-538)

Performed on-site audits, reviewing agency systems, prior cases, and financial activity for compliance and risk indicators

Drafted audit reports and management recommendations upon engagement completion

Auditor

CGS Administrators – Springfield, IL

08/2018 – 02/2020

Conducted desk, in-house, and field audits of hospitals and nursing facilities

Reviewed Medicare cost reports, financial statements, invoices, bad debts, and patient accounts

Reported findings to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Provided facilities with detailed audit findings and supporting documentation

Verified lump-sum payments and adjustments for accuracy and compliance

Office Associate II

State of Illinois – Department of Financial & Professional Regulation – Springfield, IL

09/2014 – 08/2018

Investigated licensure and enforcement cases including criminal background reviews

Researched court dispositions and initiated complaints when appropriate

Prepared enforcement notices, orders, and disciplinary documentation

Responded to inquiries regarding enforcement actions and procedures

Terminated and reinstated licenses related to non-sufficient fund payments

Reported disciplinary actions to the National Practitioner Data Bank and NABP

Contract Coordinator

H.D. Smith – Springfield, IL

10/2012 – 09/2014

Supported customers and GPOs with contract pricing, audits, and compliance

Conducted pricing audits, issued credits/rebills, and reviewed invoices

Loaded contract pricing and products while maintaining compliance

Reviewed and adjusted chargebacks

Teller / Customer Service Representative / Loan Assistant

First Midwest Bank – Virden, IL

10/2006 – 10/2012

Processed daily cash transactions and balanced drawers and vaults

Opened and serviced customer accounts and resolved discrepancies

Prepared loan documents, processed collateral, and issued loan funds

Assisted branch leadership with confidential projects

Ensured compliance with banking regulations

EDUCATION

Master of Science, Business Administration

Bachelor of Science, Finance

Associate of Arts, Business

Accounting Certificate Program

University of Phoenix – Phoenix, AZ

CORE SKILLS

Weekly Payroll Processing • Timecard Auditing • Wage & Hour Compliance • Payroll Adjustments & Retro Pay •

Garnishments • Payroll Taxes • 401(k) & Profit Sharing • Union Payroll • Payroll Audits •

Timekeeping Systems • SOP Development • Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP)

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