Payroll Specialist

Summary:

We are looking for an experienced Payroll Specialist and this a contract to permanent opportunity is ideal for someone who can deliver accurate payroll processing, maintain compliance with applicable regulations, and collaborate across departments to support employees and managers. The position plays a key role in managing payroll records, reviewing timekeeping information, and producing reliable reporting in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:

• Manage recurring payroll cycles with a high degree of accuracy, ensuring employees are paid on time and in accordance with established schedules.
• Examine time and attendance records, overtime, leave usage, and compensation updates to confirm payroll data is complete and correct before processing.
• Update and maintain payroll information for employee lifecycle changes such as new employees, separations, pay adjustments, deductions, garnishments, and direct deposit revisions.
• Investigate payroll issues, identify root causes of discrepancies, and provide timely resolution for employees, managers, and internal partners.
• Apply payroll practices that align with company guidelines as well as federal, state, and local wage and tax requirements. Reconcile payroll results and assist with reporting and close activities at month-end, quarter-end, and year-end.
• Create payroll-related reports for leadership, finance stakeholders, and audit requests while preserving data accuracy and confidentiality.
• Partner with Human Resources, Finance, and operational leaders to answer questions related to pay, deductions, timekeeping, and payroll procedures.
• Contribute to payroll system testing and process enhancement efforts, including improvements tied to timekeeping and payroll platform performance.
• Safeguard sensitive employee and compensation information while supporting internal and external audit needs.

• At least 2 years of payroll experience, including ownership of full-cycle payroll activities.
• Background using payroll platforms such as UKG Kronos OR Workday is preferred.
• Knowledge of payroll regulations, wage and hour compliance, and standard payroll reporting practices.
• Experience administering deductions, payroll taxes, garnishments, and benefit-related payroll changes.
• Strong Excel skills with the ability to perform payroll reconciliations and validate data accurately.
• Familiarity with multi-state payroll processing in a high-volume environment, preferably supporting more than 500 employees.
• Strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to handle confidential information with professionalism.