Payroll Specialist (Contract)

Job Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented, highly organized Payroll & Accounts Payable Specialist to join our client's finance team on a contract basis. In this dual-focused role, you will ensure the accurate and timely processing of our company’s payroll while managing the full-cycle accounts payable process.

The ideal candidate possesses exceptional numerical accuracy, a deep understanding of payroll regulations, and strong vendor-relations skills. You will be a critical anchor in maintaining our financial integrity, ensuring our employees are paid accurately and our vendors remain satisfied.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

• End-to-End Processing: Manage biometric/time-clock tracking, verify hours, and process bi-weekly/monthly payroll for salaried and hourly employees.
• Compliance & Tax: Ensure strict compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations. Handle payroll deductions, benefits, garnishments, and W-2/T4 preparation.
• System Maintenance: Maintain and update employee payroll records, including new hires, terminations, salary adjustments, and direct deposit setups.
• Reporting: Generate payroll reports for management and reconcile payroll totals to the general ledger.

Accounts Payable

• Invoice Management: Review, code, and match invoices (3-way matching) with purchase orders and receiving documents.
• Disbursements: Schedule and execute weekly payment runs via ACH, wire transfers, and checks, ensuring optimal cash flow management.
• Vendor Relations: Act as the primary point of contact for vendors. Research and resolve invoice discrepancies or payment inquiries promptly.
• Expense & Compliance: Audit internal expense reports for policy compliance and issue annual 1099 statements.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: 5+ years of experience specifically in payroll processing for 100+ employees.
• 2+ years of accounting specialist experience
• Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent proven experience).
• Software Proficiency: Hands-on experience with dedicated payroll platforms (e.g., ADP, Paychex, Workday).
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables).
• Core Competencies:
• High level of discretion and capability to handle confidential financial and personal data.
• Sharp attention to detail with a knack for spotting numerical errors.
• Strong communication skills for interacting with internal team members and external vendors.