Payroll Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Payroll Specialist (Temp-to-Hire)

Location: Phoenix, AZ
Compensation: Up to $85,000 Base Salary + Bonus

Our client, a well-established organization in the manufacturing and industrial sector, is seeking a Payroll Specialist to join its Human Resources team. This position offers the opportunity to take ownership of payroll operations while partnering closely with HR, Accounting, and leadership teams to ensure payroll accuracy, compliance, and process excellence.

This is an excellent opportunity for a payroll professional who enjoys both hands-on payroll processing and contributing to process improvements, compliance initiatives, and payroll-related audits.

Responsibilities

• Process accurate and timely multi-state payroll for employees on a bi-weekly basis.
• Review and audit payroll data, timesheets, benefits deductions, garnishments, and tax withholdings.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations and reporting requirements.
• Support payroll-related month-end and year-end activities, including reconciliations and reporting.
• Partner with Accounting and HR teams to investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies.
• Assist with payroll-related audits, including 401(k), workers' compensation, and annual financial audits.
• Maintain payroll records and employee information with the highest level of confidentiality.
• Support compensation administration, wage analysis, and payroll reporting.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries and resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, increase efficiency, and reduce manual work.
• Assist with HRIS and payroll system administration, reporting, and user support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Human Resources, Business, or a related field.
• 5+ years of payroll experience, including multi-state payroll processing.
• Strong understanding of payroll regulations, wage and hour laws, payroll taxes, and compliance requirements.
• Experience with payroll audits, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Knowledge of compensation administration and wage structures is preferred.
• Experience with HRIS and payroll systems; Workday, Ceridian/Dayforce, Paycom, Paylocity, Oracle HCM.
• Advanced Excel skills and strong overall technical proficiency.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• CPP or other payroll certification is a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary up to $85,000 plus bonus opportunity
• Hybrid schedule available after onboarding and conversion to permanent employment
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
• Collaborative, team-oriented culture
• Long-term career growth opportunities

If you're an experienced payroll professional looking for a role where you can make an impact while working with a supportive team, we'd welcome the opportunity to speak with you.