Payroll Specialist-HIRING ASAP

Job Title: Payroll Specialist

Job Description

The Payroll Specialist plays a key role within the Human Resources team by managing end-to-end payroll processes and ensuring strict adherence to regulatory and internal compliance standards. In this position, you will leverage your payroll and accounting expertise to process accurate and timely payroll, conduct payroll and compensation audits, and maintain audit readiness across multiple programs. You will collaborate closely with HR, Accounting, and external partners to resolve payroll issues, support continuous improvement, and uphold a high standard of data integrity and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Process end-to-end payroll accurately and on time for a multi‑state workforce, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations and company policies.
• Apply in-depth knowledge of payroll calculations and processing to manage complex pay scenarios, including regular pay, overtime, bonuses, and other compensation elements.
• Support and conduct payroll and compensation audits, identifying discrepancies, documenting findings, and implementing corrective actions.
• Partner with internal stakeholders in HR and Accounting to address audit findings, resolve payroll issues, and enhance payroll processes and controls.
• Maintain audit readiness across payroll programs by ensuring documentation, processes, and records are complete, accurate, and up to date.
• Utilize HRIS and payroll systems, such as UKG and SAP or similar platforms, to enter, validate, and reconcile payroll data.
• Ensure the integrity of payroll data by reviewing reports, performing reconciliations, and monitoring for errors or irregularities.
• Apply payroll and accounting principles, practices, and reporting requirements to support accurate financial and compliance reporting.
• Safeguard sensitive employee and payroll information by following strict confidentiality and data protection standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support continuous improvement initiatives, streamline payroll workflows, and enhance system utilization.
• Provide responsive support to internal stakeholders regarding payroll-related inquiries, policies, and procedures.
• Stay informed about changes in payroll regulations, systems, and best practices to ensure ongoing compliance and process optimization.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in payroll processing with in-depth knowledge of payroll calculation and end-to-end payroll operations.
• Bachelor's Degree in accounting, human resources, or a related field.
• 5–7 years of experience in payroll, accounting, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong knowledge and expertise in payroll and accounting principles, practices, processes, reporting, and systems.
• Hands-on experience with HRIS and payroll software, with familiarity in platforms such as UKG and SAP or similar systems.
• Ability to manage and analyze payroll data with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal payroll policies.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• High level of professionalism and integrity in handling confidential and sensitive employee information.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Payroll certification, such as APA or CPP, is preferred.
• Experience working within a multi‑state payroll environment.
• Experience in an HR team setting supporting a diverse workforce.
• Experience conducting payroll and compensation audits and maintaining audit readiness.
• Comfort working with evolving systems and processes in a growing, financially strong organization.
• Interest in continuous learning and adapting to new payroll technologies and best practices.

Work Environment

This role is part of a collaborative Human Resources team that supports a multi‑state workforce in a financially strong organization with more than 80 years of proven success. You will work closely with HR and Accounting partners in a fast‑paced environment that requires precision, reliability, and strong organizational skills. The position involves extensive use of HRIS and payroll systems such as UKG and SAP or comparable platforms, with a strong emphasis on managing sensitive employee data and maintaining strict confidentiality. The culture values adaptability, continuous learning, and long-term success, offering opportunities to expand your expertise while contributing to a stable and growing business.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Phoenix, AZ.

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $85000.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Phoenix,AZ.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 18, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $80,000 - $85,000