Payroll Specialist

Senior Payroll Specialist

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Specialist for a contract assignment supporting a large, high-volume, multi-state payroll operation. This position will work closely with Payroll Leadership to ensure timely, accurate payroll processing while assisting with process improvements and employee payroll support.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience processing high-volume payrolls, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and is comfortable managing complex payroll transactions with strict deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly and semi-monthly payroll for a high-volume, multi-state workforce (1,000+ employees)
• Maintain employee payroll records, including new hires, terminations, tax elections, direct deposit changes, and payroll updates
• Process payroll adjustments, garnishments, deductions, and off-cycle payments
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations
• Support payroll processing for both corporate and operational employee populations
• Analyze payroll reports and resolve discrepancies before payroll processing
• Manage a high-volume payroll inbox, responding to employee payroll questions and resolving issues
• Partner with HR, Benefits, Finance, and Operations to resolve payroll concerns
• Assist with payroll reconciliations, quarter-end, and year-end payroll activities
• Support payroll process improvements and system enhancements

Qualifications

• 5+ years of high-volume payroll processing experience
• Experience processing payroll for 1,000+ employees in a multi-state environment
• Workday Payroll experience is required
• Strong understanding of payroll taxes, garnishments, and wage & hour regulations
• Advanced Excel skills including formulas, Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and data analysis
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication skills with the ability to handle confidential information

Preferred Qualifications

• Canadian payroll experience
• Payroll system implementation or vendor conversion experience
• Year-end payroll processing experience (W-2/T4)
• Experience supporting high-turnover employee populations

Ideal Candidate

We're looking for a payroll professional who enjoys rolling up their sleeves, solving problems, and stepping into a fast-paced environment where accuracy, efficiency, and customer service are critical. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll consultant seeking their next contract assignment.