Job Description

Position Summary

The Payroll & Accounting Specialist supports plant operations by leading payroll activities and contributing to accounting, production reporting, inventory coordination, and vendor support. Approximately 50% of the role is dedicated to payroll, with the remaining responsibilities focused on direct labor reporting, OEE reporting, capital processes, WPO management, and general accounting duties. This role requires strong analytical skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively across functions in a fast?paced manufacturing environment.

Where Youll Work

This role will be based out of our Lawton, Michigan plant where you will be immersed in a dynamic workplace where innovation thrives and collaboration is key.

What Youll Do

Payroll

• Manage all aspects of union and non?exempt payroll processing.
• Perform non?exempt batch entry, ensuring accurate and timely payroll submission.
• Maintain and review employee timecards, ensuring accuracy of hours, adherence to payroll rules, and correct direct labor reporting.
• Manage exempt and non?exempt accruals, including union accrual requirements.
• Coordinate time and attendance (utilizing INFOR) activities for the purposes of payroll, including gain?share calculations, labor reporting, time?keeping maintenance, and other related duties.
• Support HR, supervisors, and employees by resolving payroll issues, ensuring compliance, and maintaining accurate payroll records.
• Partner with labor reporting and OEE teams to ensure labor data accuracy across systems.

Direct Labor Reporting

• Prepare and maintain direct labor reports, aligned with payroll and OEE reporting.
• Track and report union labor, temporary labor, and seasonal labor usage.

WPO (Wholesale Purchase Order) Coordination

• Manage WPO processes, including charging suppliers for reconditioning, rework, inspection, and disposal costs.
• Allocate labor and indirect costs and coordinate supplier communication.
• Maintain and reconcile WPO ledgers.

General Accounting Responsibilities

• Support accounts payable, including invoice processing, vendor communication, and system approvals (V360, Oracle, INFOR).
• Complete monthly tasks such as cash box reconciliation, temp labor reclass journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, and WPO ledger balancing.
• Assist with general ledger maintenance, budgeting support, standard costing, and inventory control.
• Participate in physical inventory counts and support month?end closing and monthly projections.
• Prepare production reports and manage purchase orders and supply ordering.
• Coordinate tanker shipment scheduling with vendor dispatchers.
• Support seasonal accounting activities, including harvest?related processes.
• Perform other duties as needed to support plant operation.

Who You Are

• A high performer able to independently balance multiple competing priorities and deadlines.
• Experience in a fast?paced environment, notably in a manufacturing setting, is a plus.
• A collaborative team player who works effectively across levels and functions.
• Highly organized, with the ability to create, refine, and maintain standard work for the role.
• An agile learner focused on driving continuous improvement and process efficiency.
• Detail?oriented with strong analytical skills and a commitment to data accuracy.

What Youll Need

• Associate degree in Accounting or a related discipline preferred but not required.
• Experience with HRIS systems (INFOR, Oracle, UKG, etc).
• Payroll processing experience is strongly preferred, especially in a union environment.
• Prior experience in fast?paced, detail?oriented manufacturing support is preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.

What Youll Enjoy

• Organization with a bold, clear purpose & vision for the future.
• Inclusive culture: Be part of an inclusive workplace where you not only belong but also have the opportunity to be the best version of yourself.
• Passionate community: You are encouraged to have a voice, share your opinions, and have individual impact on the success of the business.
• Flexible & collaborative work environment to maximize well?being & success.
• Paid Time Off and Holidays: Enjoy time away from the office to rest and recharge.
• Paid Volunteer Time Off: 40 hours of paid volunteer time for all non?union employees.
• Development & Advancement: Access to LinkedIn Learning as well as both formal and informal opportunities to develop and grow your career.
• Compensation package consisting of a competitive base salary and annual incentive plan (bonus).
• 401K plan with generous company match.
• Flexible benefits from your first day: Choose the benefits that meet your needs and preferences o.
• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Accounts
• Life and accident insurance
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Additional benefits available through Perks at Work
• Paid parental (and adoption) leave Available after 12 months of employment.

Salary Information

The anticipated hiring base salary range for this position is $55,000 to $65,000 annually for US?based employees. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job?related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for participation in a bonus plan.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Welch's is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the prevention of employment discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability and/or military or veteran status, sexual orientation or any other action covered by federal or applicable state/local laws.

Grow with Welch's! Welch's is on a journey towards our bold ambition of being the global?leader of convenient, good for you fruit?based food and beverages. To turn this goal into a reality we need you and other exceptionally talented, agile, and innovative individuals who are eager to contribute to something extraordinary!

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