Payroll and AP Specialist

Payroll Specialist Location: North Houston, in office 77039 Reports To: Accounting Manager Duration: contract to hire Pay: $30 – $36 per hour Position Summary The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for new, active, and terminated employees. This role supports the Finance team by ensuring compliance with company policies, wage and hour regulations, and internal controls. The Payroll Specialist plays a critical role in maintaining payroll integrity while supporting a culture rooted in safety, operational excellence, and customer service. Key Responsibilities Process full-cycle payroll, including data collection, calculation, and system entry Review and validate new employee payroll setup, including wages, PTO, sick leave, tax withholdings, and other pay-related configurations Audit and verify timekeeping records, work orders, and manually entered time data Ensure accurate pay classifications for employees with multiple roles or rates Review payroll reports for accuracy, reconcile discrepancies, and escalate issues as needed Audit PTO, sick leave, and leave of absence records; partner with Human Resources to resolve discrepancies Process pay rate changes, bonuses, and retroactive pay adjustments Validate payroll prior to processing, including hours worked, approvals, and historical comparisons Finalize payroll processing, generate reports, and communicate funding requirements including hourly employees Research and resolve payroll errors and process corrections as needed Process terminations, including final pay calculations and compliance with applicable laws Prepare and manage manual payroll checks and related approvals Support accounts payable processes related to payroll adjustments Manage petty cash tracking, approvals, and reconciliation Maintain accurate records of payroll disputes and resolutions Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour regulations Return incomplete or noncompliant documentation to managers for correction Assist in developing and improving payroll processes, procedures, and documentation Participate in cross-training and support special projects as assigned Qualifications Education & Experience: High School Diploma or equivalent required Minimum of 3 years of payroll processing experience Technical Skills: Experience with payroll systems such as ADP Workforce Now and/or ADP Workforce Manager Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced functions (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUP, formulas) Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite Knowledge & Abilities: Strong understanding of payroll processes and wage and hour laws especially for hourly employees like truck drivers 2 years of experience with AP Excellent attention to detail and accuracy Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines Effective communication and interpersonal skills Ability to handle confidential information with discretion #J-18808-Ljbffr