Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Heather Panunzio

Lodi

Summary

Accomplished Human Resources and Payroll Manager with over 20 years of experience in employee recruitment, training, benefits administration, accounting, and payroll management. Demonstrates strong organizational capabilities and a firm commitment to ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. Known for effectively optimizing operational processes and fostering a positive work environment.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Payroll Manager

Astrodyne Corporation
Hackettstown
09.2023 - Current
  • Oversee and manage the complete payroll cycle for 500 employees across the US and Canada, processing three bi-weekly payrolls using ADP Workforce Now. This includes accurate calculations of salaries, deductions, taxes, and benefits, ensuring timely and precise payroll disbursement.
  • Generate detailed payroll reports and conduct in-depth analysis of payroll data to ensure consistency and accuracy.
  • Perform regular audits of payroll transactions to verify the correctness of all amounts and payment dates, maintaining compliance with both internal policies and regulatory standards.
  • Continuously monitor federal, state, and local payroll regulations, staying informed of any legislative changes impacting labor laws, employee insurance, benefit plans, and tax regulations, to ensure ongoing compliance.
  • Set up and maintain local and state tax codes, ensuring proper tax deductions and adjustments are implemented in line with evolving requirements.
  • Implement, maintain, and optimize payroll systems, including overseeing updates and upgrades, to ensure efficient, error-free payroll operations.
  • Manage complex payroll adjustments including annual raises, garnishments, bonuses, severance agreements, ACH payments, promotions, unemployment claims, and employee expense reports.
  • Coordinate and oversee external audits, including 401(k) audits, and manage the filing of the Form 5500 for employee pension benefit plans, ensuring all necessary documentation is accurately submitted on time.
  • Supervise, mentor, and provide ongoing training to payroll staff to promote professional growth and maintain a high level of competency within the payroll team.
  • Manage accounts payables/receivables and support month-end closing activities, ensuring accurate financial reporting and reconciliation.
  • Collaborate closely with the HR team to support FMLA and workers' compensation claims, ensuring adherence to legal requirements and proper processing.
  • Lead quarterly and year-end payroll activities, including 941 reconciliations and the preparation of W-2 forms to ensure compliance with all filing deadlines.

Human Resource Payroll Manager

Horizon Foods - out of business
Clifton
09.2002 - 06.2023
  • Ensure accuracy and implement updates to HRIS systems for seamless data management.
  • Foster positive employee relations through consistent and transparent communication at all organizational levels.
  • Administer leave of absence policies, employee handbook compliance, and facilitate ongoing training programs for all employees.
  • Address and resolve employee relations issues in collaboration with managers and supervisors, conducting investigations as needed to maintain a positive work environment.
  • Guide candidates throughout the recruitment process, including reviewing applications, scheduling interviews, providing post-interview follow-up, and coordinating onboarding and orientation sessions.
  • Partner with departments on company culture initiatives, including internal communications, employee recognition, celebrations, succession planning, and promotion from within.
  • Oversee the company’s benefits program, liaising with brokers for renewals and ensuring alignment with employee needs.
  • Track employee benefit eligibility and organize annual open enrollment meetings to ensure employees are well-informed about their options.
  • Manage the complete payroll cycle for 750 employees via ADP Workforce Now, including accurate calculation of salaries, deductions, taxes, and benefits, ensuring timely payroll processing.
  • Develop and implement performance appraisals and self-evaluation systems for employee development and growth.
  • Monitor and ensure compliance with OSHA standards while promoting workplace safety initiatives.
  • Coordinate and manage First Aid and CPR training sessions for employees and managers to ensure preparedness and compliance.
  • Oversee the processing of recruitment documents, unemployment claims, garnishments, severance payments, salary increases, bonuses, ACH payments, and Short-Term Disability/FMLA claims.
  • Manage workers' compensation claims in collaboration with the workers' compensation carrier, including tracking, reporting, and maintaining clear communication across all involved parties.

Education

Some College (No Degree) - Financial Accounting

Keyskills
Clifton, ID

Skills

  • Team leadership
  • Employee training and development
  • Benefits administration
  • Vendor relationship management
  • Auditing procedures
  • Bookkeeping skills
  • Multi-state payroll
  • Employment verifications

Timeline

Senior Payroll Manager

Astrodyne Corporation
09.2023 - Current

Human Resource Payroll Manager

Horizon Foods - out of business
09.2002 - 06.2023

Some College (No Degree) - Financial Accounting

Keyskills