Payroll Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for a Payroll Specialist to support payroll operations in Kenmore, Washington. This contract opportunity with potential for a long-term role is ideal for someone who can manage full-cycle payroll with accuracy, maintain compliance across multiple states, and serve as a dependable resource for employees and managers. The role follows a hybrid schedule with time split between remote work and on-site collaboration.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the complete semi-monthly payroll cycle, from gathering and validating pay data through final submission, distribution, and post-payroll reporting.

• Maintain payroll records and update employee information related to earnings, deductions, taxes, leave balances, direct deposit details, and benefit elections.

• Review timekeeping entries, new employee setup, and payroll changes to confirm accuracy, completeness, and timely approval before each payroll deadline.

• Investigate payroll discrepancies, resolve routine issues, and escalate complex compliance or system concerns when needed.

• Act as a key point of contact for staff and supervisors by answering questions related to pay, tax withholding, deductions, timecards, and payroll procedures.

• Support payroll tax compliance for employees in Washington, California, and other applicable jurisdictions, including reporting and related documentation.

• Assist with payroll audits, reconciliations, and year-end activities such as W-2 preparation and payroll record balancing.

• Partner with Finance and IT to improve payroll workflows, strengthen controls, and assist with system testing, updates, and payroll-related process enhancements.

• 5+ years of payroll experience with increasing responsibility in a high-accountability environment.
• Proven ability to run full-cycle payroll independently, including pre-payroll review, processing, reconciliation, and reporting.
• Experience handling multi-state payroll, including Washington and California payroll requirements.
• Working knowledge of payroll audits, tax reporting, reconciliations, and regulatory compliance practices.
• Hands-on experience with payroll systems such as Paycom; Paycom expertise is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with timekeeping platforms and benefit-related payroll administration.
• Strong attention to detail, sound judgment with confidential information, and the ability to resolve issues accurately and efficiently.