Payroll Specialist

W2 only, no C2C, must be authorized to work in the US (both now and in the future).

Payroll Specialist (Contract) - Hybrid in Madison, Wisconsin. Apply now for this opportunity at Carex!

Carex is partnering with a biotech industry leader to hire a Payroll Specialist II who will play a critical role in ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing. This role supports U.S. payroll operations, maintains employee payroll records, resolves discrepancies, and serves as a key partner to HR, Finance, and Payroll leadership. The Payroll Specialist II will also act as a mentor to junior payroll staff and provide backup support to the Lead Payroll Specialist.

Location: Madison, WI (hybrid)

Pay rate: $32-35/hr Carex benefits

Duration: ASAP through end of 2026

What You’ll Do

• Process U.S. payroll accurately and on schedule, including regular and off-cycle payrolls
• Assist with high-volume and multi-state payroll processing while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Review and validate payroll data, including hours worked, bonuses, deductions, tax withholdings, and benefit contributions
• Process new hire integrations from Workday and maintain employee pay profiles in ADP
• Review daily Workday-to-ADP integration files for accuracy and partner with the Workday team to resolve errors
• Update payroll records related to tax withholdings, direct deposits, HSAs, FSAs, and other employee changes
• Import and review employee timecards, ensuring timely manager approvals for hourly employees
• Review time-off files from Workday and import data into ADP for payroll processing
• Liaise with Human Resources regarding leaves of absence and payroll deductions related to unpaid leaves
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies and respond to employee inquiries professionally and promptly
• Monitor and respond to inquiries in the shared Payroll inbox
• Distribute pay statements and assist with year-end processes, including W-2 preparation and distribution
• Support payroll tax account registrations and maintain good standing with tax agencies
• Assist with preparation of payroll reports, month-end and quarter-end accruals for Accounting, and audit requests
• Assist with employee HSA enrollments using Workday enrollment reports
• Maintain working knowledge of payroll tax laws, benefit programs (HSA, FSA), and company policies
• Maintain payroll records and documentation in compliance with audit standards
• Cross-train with the Lead Payroll Specialist to provide backup support for all payroll processes
• Act as a mentor to Payroll Specialists and take on increasing responsibility as needed
• Support payroll system updates, testing, and process improvement initiatives
• Uphold company mission, values, and Quality Management System policies
  
  
  

What You’ll Bring

• Experience processing payroll in a high-volume or multi-state environment
• Hands-on experience with ADP payroll systems and Workday HRIS integrations
• Strong understanding of payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements
• Experience with employee benefits payroll processing, including HSAs and FSAs
• High attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage deadlines, prioritize competing tasks, and adapt in a changing environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with proven customer-service orientation
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential employee information with professionalism
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills with the ability to mentor others
• Reliable attendance and accountability in meeting payroll deadlines
  
  
  

Carex Consulting Group is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status.