Payroll Specialist II

Inside the Role

Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate, compliant, and timely execution of end-to-end payroll operations within a broader HR service delivery framework. This role requires deep functional expertise in payroll processing, tax compliance, timekeeping integration, and internal controls, ensuring payroll accuracy across complex employee populations.
Payroll Operations includes work across multiple administrative areas supporting established HR and rewards programs, including employment lifecycle processes, and regulatory reporting. Within this environment, the Payroll Specialist plays a critical role in safeguarding data integrity, compliance, and financial accuracy.
The position partners closely with HR, Finance, IT, and external vendors to maintain operational excellence. Strong system knowledge (Workday and Workforce Management systems preferred), payroll tax expertise, and a passion for continuous improvement are essential.

Posting Information

We provide a scheduled posting end date to assist our candidates with their application planning. While this date reflects our latest plans, it is subject to change, and postings may be extended or removed earlier than expected.

We Take Care of Our Team

What You Drive at DTNA  

·  Own and execute full-cycle payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

·  Perform payroll reconciliations, variance analysis, and validation controls to mitigate financial and compliance risk.

·  Prepare and support statistical and operational reporting for internal management (e.g., demographics, absenteeism, overtime, turnover) and external agencies (government entities, insurance providers, unions).

·  Support rewards program implementation and administration, including compensation and benefits administration as they interface with payroll.

·  Partner with Timekeeping to ensure accurate capture of hours worked, overtime, and charge codes.

·  Support audits and ensure documentation and controls align with regulatory and internal governance standards.

·  Identify process gaps and lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance payroll accuracy, system optimization, and operational efficiency.

·  Support system configuration, testing, and upgrades related to payroll and workforce management platforms (Workday and WFM preferred).

Knowledge You Should Bring  

·  Bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) required, plus a minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in Payroll or HR Operations, with strong exposure to full-cycle payroll processing, is required.

·  Strong payroll expertise, including knowledge of wage and hour regulations, payroll tax compliance, and federal, state, and local reporting requirements.

·  Solid understanding of payroll controls, reconciliations, audit practices, and regulatory compliance standards.

·  Demonstrated analytical capability with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, particularly in high-risk financial processes.

·  Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet strict deadlines, and perform effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

·  Strong organizational and time-management skills with a structured, process- and control-oriented mindset.

·  Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to partner cross-functionally and provide high-quality customer service.

·  Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with the highest level of professionalism, discretion, and integrity.

·  An attached resume is required.

Exceptional Candidates Might Have  

·  Hands-on experience with Workday Payroll, including payroll processing, reporting, and data validation preferred.

·  Experience supporting integrations between Workday and Workforce Management (WFM) systems, with the ability to troubleshoot data flow and resolve errors preferred.

·  Familiarity with payroll configuration elements in Workday (earnings, deductions, tax setup, business processes, and security roles) preferred.

·  Experience supporting payroll system testing, upgrades, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives within a Workday environment preferred.

#LI-RR1 #LI-Hybrid

Where We Work

This position is open to applicants who can work in (or relocate to) the following location(s)-

Portland, OR US. Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Schedule Type:

Hybrid (4 days per week in-office / 1 day remote). This schedule builds our #OneTeamBestTeam culture, provides an unparalleled customer experience, and creates innovative solutions through in-person collaboration.

At Daimler Truck North America, we recognize our world is changing faster than ever before. By listening to the needs of today, we’re building to solve with cutting-edge solutions in sustainability and future driving technology across electric, hydrogen and autonomous. These solutions, backed by years of innovative success and achievement, continue DTNA’s legacy as the undisputed industry leader. Our evolving brand portfolio is second to none, including Freightliner Trucks, Western Star, Demand Detroit, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis, and Financial Services. Together, we work as one team towards our envisioned future – building a cleaner, safer and more efficient tomorrow for all.

That is what we are working toward - for all who keep the world moving.

Additional Information

• This position is not open for Visa sponsorship or to existing Visa holders
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work permanently in the country the position is located in at the time of application
• Final candidate must successfully complete a criminal background check
• Final candidate may be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen
• Contractors, professional services, or other contingent workers should confirm with their local agency if they are eligible to apply for FTE positions
• EEO - Disabled/Veterans

Daimler Truck North America is committed to workforce inclusion and providing an environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, age, marital status, family relationship, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (including transgender and transitioning status), genetic information, or veteran status.

For an accommodation or special assistance with applying for a posted position, please contact our Human Resources department at 503-745-8982 or toll free 800-206-3369. For TTY/TDD enabled call 503-745-2137 or toll free 866-355-6935.

Please see above for qualification details

At Daimler Truck, we promote diversity and foster an inclusive corporate culture. We value the individual strengths of our employees, as these lead to the best team performance and thus to the success of our company. Inclusion and Equal opportunities are important to us – regardless of where you come from and who you are. We look forward to receiving applications from people of all cultures and genders, parents, people with disabilities and people from the LGBTIQ+ community.