Payroll Specialist (Kingston)

Payroll Specialist

Job Type: Temporary (12-Month Assignment)

Pay Rate: $34-36/hour

Location: Kingston, NY | On-site (Monday-Friday, Business Hours)

Job Overview

Madison Approach Staffing is recruiting for a Payroll Specialist for our client's Finance/Human Resources department. Our client is a large healthcare organization seeking a detail-oriented payroll professional to process multi-location payroll, ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, and maintain accurate payroll records. The ideal candidate has healthcare payroll experience, strong analytical skills, and commitment to accuracy in a fast-paced environment. This is a 12-month temporary assignment.

Key Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly or semi-monthly payroll for employees across multiple locations ensuring accurate and timely payments
• Calculate wages, overtime, shift differentials, on-call pay, and other healthcare-specific compensation
• Process payroll deductions including taxes, benefits, retirement contributions, garnishments, and union dues
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations; prepare and file quarterly tax returns and year-end documents (W-2s, 1099s)
• Maintain accurate payroll records; enter and update employee data including new hires, terminations, status changes, and pay adjustments
• Reconcile payroll to general ledger; prepare payroll reports for management and financial analysis
• Review and verify timekeeping data from Kronos or similar systems prior to processing
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding paychecks, deductions, tax withholdings, and payroll policies
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies including missing pay, incorrect deductions, and tax issues
• Coordinate with HR, benefits, and finance departments to ensure seamless payroll operations
• Support annual processes including W-2 preparation, open enrollment, and year-end reporting
• Participate in system implementations, upgrades, and process improvement initiatives
  
  

Required Skills & Experience

• Education: Associate degree in Accounting, Business, or related field required; Bachelor's degree preferred
• Experience: 3-5 years payroll processing experience; healthcare payroll experience strongly preferred
• Payroll Systems: Proficiency with payroll software and HRIS systems (Kronos, ADP, Workday, or similar)
• Tax Knowledge: Strong understanding of federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations and compliance requirements
• Technical Skills: Advanced Microsoft Excel (formulas, pivot tables, VLOOKUP); Microsoft Office Suite
• Analytical Skills: Strong attention to detail with excellent mathematical and problem-solving abilities
• Communication: Clear written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain complex payroll concepts
• Confidentiality: High level of discretion handling sensitive employee compensation and personal information
• Multi-Tasking: Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict payroll deadlines
• Compliance: Knowledge of FLSA, FMLA, ACA, and labor laws affecting payroll administration
  
  

Preferred Skills & Experience

• FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification) or CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification
• Experience processing payroll for 500 employees in multi-location healthcare environment
• Knowledge of union payroll processing and collective bargaining agreements
• Experience with New York State payroll requirements including paid family leave
• Understanding of healthcare compensation structures including shift differentials and on-call pay
• PHR or SHRM-CP certification
  
  

Work Schedule & Details

• Full-time position: Monday-Friday, standard business hours
• On-site in Kingston, NY
• Temporary assignment: 12 months
• Large healthcare organization environment
• Fast-paced role with strict bi-weekly payroll deadlines
• May require occasional flexibility during peak periods (year-end, audits)
  
  

To Apply: Please submit your resume to Madison Approach Staffing. Only qualified candidates will be contacted for interview consideration.