Payroll Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for a Payroll Specialist to join our team in a contract-to-permanent capacity. This position supports accurate semi-monthly payroll processing across a multi-state workforce while also contributing to select accounting activities. The ideal candidate brings strong payroll compliance knowledge, a service-focused mindset, and the ability to manage sensitive information with accuracy and care.

Responsibilities:

• Review timekeeping records submitted by multiple locations, validate accuracy, and coordinate with managers to correct missing or inconsistent entries before payroll is finalized.

• Administer semi-monthly payroll for salaried, hourly, and commission-based employees in a high-volume, multi-state environment using ADP Workforce Now or a comparable payroll platform.

• Apply and maintain correct withholdings and deductions, including federal, state, and local taxes, benefit elections, wage garnishments, and other payroll-related adjustments.

• Investigate payroll variances, reconcile payroll-related accounts, and resolve issues that affect employee pay or payroll balancing.

• Respond to employee questions related to earnings, deductions, direct deposit, accruals, and payroll transactions in a timely and attentive manner.

• Manage garnishment activity from setup through ongoing processing, while communicating required information to employees, agencies, and internal stakeholders.

• Research tax registration requirements in new jurisdictions and gather documentation needed to establish employer payroll tax accounts.

• Partner with government agencies and internal teams to resolve payroll tax discrepancies, support filings, and help maintain compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

• Generate payroll and accounting reports, complete employment verification requests, and assist with general accounting tasks such as accounts payable support and reconciliations as needed.

The salary range for this position is $27/hr to $31.25/hr. Benefits available to contract/temporary professionals, include medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information. Our specialized recruiting professionals apply their expertise and utilize our proprietary AI to find you great job matches faster.

• At least 2 years of payroll experience in a large, multi-state organization.
• Hands-on experience processing full-cycle payroll, including automated timekeeping review and garnishment administration.
• Working knowledge of payroll tax practices, agency notices, and multi-jurisdiction compliance requirements.
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now or a similar payroll system used in high-volume environments.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including functions such as VLOOKUP and PivotTables.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple deadlines effectively.
• Strong organizational and customer service skills, with the ability to communicate clearly with employees and internal partners.
• Prior experience supporting accounting activities such as reconciliations or accounts payable is preferred; mortgage industry experience is a plus.