Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist

Location: Raleigh, NC Area

Work Arrangement: Hybrid 3 Days in Office / 2 Days Remote

Employment Type: 4 Months Temp-to-Hire Opportunity ((Depends on performance and business needs)

Key Responsibilities

Process full-cycle payroll for U.S. employees, approximately 6,000 employees across two payrolls.

Collaborate with the Payroll Lead and HR Operations team to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing.

Manage time data imports, validate hours worked, and ensure accurate payment to employees.

Administer multi-state payroll, including state-specific tax requirements and regulations.

Support payroll tax activities, including knowledge of statutory deductions and tax reconciliation.

Handle garnishments and other voluntary/involuntary deductions.

Reconcile payroll discrepancies and resolve employee payroll inquiries in a timely and professional manner.

Support payroll audits and ensure ongoing compliance with internal policies and external regulations.

Participate in process improvement efforts to enhance the efficiency of the payroll function.

Assist in evaluating the long-term viability of the contractor role for permanent headcount needs.

General Payroll Responsibilities

Oversee the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring timely and accurate payroll runs.

Review payroll reports for discrepancies and resolve issues in a timely manner.

Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.

Perform reconciliations, audits, and overpayment recovery activities.

Ensure all processes are followed, including payroll-related controls, and report any issues.

Address payroll-related queries from employees, providing exceptional customer service and support.

Create ad-hoc payroll data reports and provide accurate data to management and business partners as needed.

Assist with internal and external audits.

Perform other related duties as required and assigned.

Required Qualifications

5 years of payroll experience required.

Proven experience processing end-to-end payroll, from time collection through payroll completion.

Experience in high-volume payroll environments, ideally processing payroll for 5,000+ employees, especially in multi-state settings.

Familiarity with payroll tax concepts, garnishments, and other standard payroll functions.

ADP GlobalView Must.

SAP Payroll Required/acceptable.

Strong knowledge of payroll processes and compliance requirements, including employment law and payroll legislation.

Strong analytical skills with keen attention to detail.

Strong attention to detail and ability to handle confidential information with integrity.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to investigate and resolve payroll-related issues.

Ability to maintain confidential information discreetly and protect employee privacy.

Must be located in Raleigh, NC, or willing to work onsite daily.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

Candidates without a degree but with strong, relevant experience will still be considered.

Experience supporting global organizations or companies with complex organizational structures.

Experience with timekeeping systems and time data integration into payroll systems.

Experience working with unions preferred.

Education/Experience Alternative:

Bachelor's degree with 3 years of payroll experience, or

High School diploma with 45 years of payroll experience.

What We're Looking For

A well-rounded payroll professional who can manage end-to-end payroll, taxes, garnishments, multi-state processing, and payroll systems.

Someone who is willing to learn, collaborative, and eager to grow within the organization.

Candidates who have worked in larger organizations or supported complex payroll scenarios will stand out.

Flexibility to adjust to team needs and willingness to support long-term improvements in payroll efficiency.

Complexity of Tasks

Knowledge of integrated, cross-functional business systems.

Critical thinking skills to investigate and resolve issues.

Strong knowledge of payroll administration, general labor law, payroll legislation, and accounting principles.

Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities to meet deadlines.

Ability to work in a flexible environment where requirements and procedures continuously evolve.

Highly ethical, analytical, team-oriented, flexible, inquisitive, and logical.

Ability to work independently and conduct investigations and resolve related matters.

Work Environment

This role may be performed in an office setting or remotely, with the stated expectation of 3 days in the office and 2 days remote.

Flexibility may be required during peak payroll cycles or leave processing periods.