Payroll Specialist

Job Title: Payroll Specialist

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist to join a dynamic Human Resources team and take ownership of end-to-end payroll operations for a multi‑state workforce. In this role, you will manage payroll processing, ensure compliance with regulatory and internal standards, and support payroll and compensation audits. You will collaborate closely with HR, Accounting, and external partners to resolve issues, maintain audit readiness, and uphold the accuracy and integrity of payroll data.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for a multi‑state workforce, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant payroll runs.
• Apply in‑depth knowledge of payroll calculation and processing to handle complex pay scenarios, deductions, and adjustments.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations and internal policies.
• Support and conduct payroll and compensation audits, including preparing reports, documentation, and responses to audit inquiries.
• Partner with internal stakeholders such as HR and Accounting to address audit findings, resolve discrepancies, and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders, including vendors and auditors, to support payroll, tax, and reporting requirements.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and reporting in alignment with payroll and accounting principles, practices, processes, and systems.
• Use HRIS and payroll software, including platforms such as UKG and SAP, to input, verify, and reconcile payroll data.
• Safeguard sensitive employee information by following strict confidentiality and data security practices.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the HR and payroll function.
• Support the HR team with payroll-related inquiries and provide clear, timely communication to employees regarding pay and deductions.
• Help maintain ongoing audit readiness by ensuring documentation, processes, and records remain complete, accurate, and up to date.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of experience in payroll, including hands-on payroll processing and payroll tax responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience processing payroll for a multi‑state workforce.
• Strong knowledge and expertise in payroll and accounting principles, practices, processes, reporting, and systems.
• In‑depth knowledge and experience of payroll calculation and processing, including complex pay scenarios and deductions.
• Experience working with HRIS and payroll software, with preference for UKG or other HR platform systems.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with HR, Accounting, and external stakeholders to resolve payroll issues and support audits.
• High attention to detail and accuracy when managing payroll data and reports.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
• Bachelor"s degree in accounting, human resources, or a related field with 5-7 years of relevant experience.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Payroll certification such as APA or CPP is preferred, with CPP considered a strong plus.
• Experience using SAP for payroll or HR processes is preferred.
• Experience with UKG or similar HR platform systems is highly desirable.
• Ability to adapt to changing business needs and contribute to continuous process improvement.
• Strong communication skills to explain payroll-related information clearly to employees and stakeholders.

Work Environment

This position is part of a collaborative Human Resources team supporting a multi‑state workforce in a fast‑paced, growth-oriented organization. You will work closely with HR and Accounting professionals, managing sensitive employee data and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of payroll information. The environment values stability, with a long history of proven success and ongoing project growth, offering opportunities to expand your expertise and develop your career over the long term. You will operate primarily within HRIS and payroll systems such as UKG and SAP, using these tools daily to manage payroll processes and reporting. The role requires reliability, strong organization, and consistent professionalism in handling confidential information and meeting recurring payroll deadlines.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Phoenix,AZ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 22, 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.