Payroll Auditor

Payroll Analyst / Payroll Auditor (Contract) - Onsite We are seeking a detail oriented Payroll Analyst / Payroll Auditor for a contract opportunity with our client in Gilbert, AZ. This role is ideal for a payroll professional who enjoys analyzing payroll data, identifying discrepancies, ensuring compliance, and supporting payroll audit activities. The selected candidate will work closely with Payroll, HR, Finance, and Operations teams to ensure payroll accuracy and maintain compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements. Location: Gilbert, AZ (Onsite) Schedule: Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm (possibly flexibility with scheduling at the manager's descrition) Compensation: $30 to $40/hr, depending on experience Position Type: Contract Responsibilities Audit payroll transactions for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with company policies and applicable regulations. Review employee earnings, deductions, taxes, and timekeeping records to identify discrepancies and resolve issues. Analyze payroll reports and perform reconciliations between payroll, HRIS, and accounting systems. Research payroll variances, investigate exceptions, and recommend corrective actions. Support internal and external payroll audits by gathering documentation and responding to audit requests. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations. Review and validate employee data changes, including new hires, terminations, pay rate changes, and benefit deductions. Prepare payroll related reports, analyses, and audit summaries for management. Identify process improvement opportunities and recommend controls to enhance payroll accuracy and efficiency. Partner with HR, Finance, and Accounting teams to ensure payroll data integrity. Assist with payroll tax inquiries, garnishments, wage verifications, and employee payroll questions. Support month end and year end payroll activities, including reconciliations and reporting. Qualifications 2+ years of payroll analysis, payroll auditing, payroll processing, or related payroll experience. Strong understanding of payroll regulations, wage and hour requirements, payroll taxes, and compliance standards. Experience reconciling payroll data and identifying discrepancies within large datasets. Advanced Excel skills, including VLOOKUPs, PivotTables, and data analysis functions. Experience working with payroll systems such as ADP, UKG, Workday, Ceridian, Paychex, or similar platforms. Strong analytical, problem solving, and investigative skills. High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast paced environment. Excellent communication and customer service skills. CPP certification or progress toward certification is a plus. Preferred Background Experience supporting payroll audits, compliance reviews, or internal controls. Prior experience working in a multi state payroll environment. Experience partnering closely with Accounting or Finance teams on payroll reconciliations and reporting.