Payroll Specialist, Sr

JOB SUMMARY: The Temporary Senior Payroll Specialist is responsible for processing payroll accurately and timely, assisting employees with payroll-related questions, and running standard payroll reports. This role supports day-to-day payroll operations, including paycheck calculations, deductions, tax withholdings, garnishments, and timekeeping review, while ensuring compliance with company policies and federal, state, and local regulations. The Temporary Senior Payroll Specialist serves as a resource for employees and managers by resolving payroll inquiries and escalating issues as appropriate. Additionally, this position assists with payroll audits, reporting, and documentation to support an efficient payroll process. This is a temporary position expected to last approximately three (3) to six (6) months. The ideal candidate will have strong payroll processing experience, attention to detail, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

1. Perform accurate payroll processing in accordance with established deadlines and procedures.
2. Balance earnings and deductions to control totals and correct out of balance conditions.
3. Maintain complete and accurate payroll files and ensure confidentiality of timekeeping and payroll information.
4. Audit and analyze payroll and related reports such as registers and other standard reports to identify issues or errors.
5. Create and prepare standard payroll reports, as well as ad-hoc reports.
6. Research and resolve issues as they arise; identify errors and fully execute the process to correct them.
7. Research and make recommendations related to multi-state payroll tax compliance issues, including interfacing with third-party payroll tax filing services and/or agencies.
8. Research and correct payroll errors, including balance adjustments and manual check processing for over/under payments.
9. Process off-cycles, termination pay, direct deposit reversals, stop payments, and other payroll adjustments.
10. Process wage garnishments, child support, and tax levies according to established standards (multiple states, knowledge of state and federal handling).
11. Set up, maintain, and administer the timekeeping system.
12. Develop techniques to improve the efficiency and accuracy of payroll-related processes and procedures. Create and maintain documentation of the payroll process.
13. Handle payroll-related customer inquiries effectively and accurately, ensuring all inquiries are addressed and/or resolved within a set service level agreement.
14. Collaborate, coordinate, and communicate across disciplines, departments, and levels within the organization.
15. Experience with software implementations and databases related to payroll and timekeeping.
16. Perform quarter-end and year-end tax balancing and processing.
17. Perform root cause analysis to determine the cause of system/processing errors and develop recommendations to address findings and prevent future errors.
18. Ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations and requirements.
19. Demonstrate the company's core competencies and values.
20. Note: Due to the exposure to PHI sensitive data, this role is considered high risk.
21. The responsibilities outlined above are not all-encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.

JOB SCOPE:
The incumbent works under moderate supervision and relies on established guidelines and experience to complete job responsibilities. The incumbent applies a broad range of knowledge of policies and procedures, as well as knowledge gained through experience, to solve problems.