Payroll Administrator

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for a Payroll Administrator to join a legal organization in Lawrenceville, NJ in a contract-to-permanent capacity. This position is ideal for a payroll specialist who can oversee complete payroll operations with precision, discretion, and a strong understanding of compliance requirements. The role works closely with finance and HR partners to ensure employees are paid accurately and on schedule while maintaining reliable payroll records and supporting related accounting activities.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the full payroll cycle for employees on a bi-weekly and semi-monthly basis, ensuring timely and accurate processing.

• Examine time records, pay data, and supporting documentation to identify inconsistencies and resolve payroll issues promptly.

• Prepare and validate earnings and deductions, including overtime, incentive pay, commissions, garnishments, and applicable tax withholdings.

• Maintain accurate records for employee paid time off and other leave balances, ensuring updates are reflected correctly in payroll systems.

• Reconcile payroll results with budget figures and general ledger accounts to support accurate financial reporting.

• Address employee questions related to pay, deductions, and payroll records with clear, courteous communication.

• Assist with internal reviews and external audit requests, including documentation needed for payroll-related and workers’ compensation audits.

• Monitor changes in payroll regulations and recommend enhancements to processes, controls, or systems when appropriate.

• Contribute to additional accounting or finance projects as needed to support departmental priorities.

• Experience independently administering full-cycle payroll for a workforce of approximately 101 to 500 employees.

• Working knowledge of payroll systems, payroll recordkeeping, and core accounting practices.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and payroll software used to process and track employee pay.

• Understanding of federal and state payroll tax rules, wage regulations, and labor compliance requirements.

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to handle sensitive information in a confidential manner.

• Effective organizational and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across finance and HR teams.

• Associate degree in Accounting is preferred.