Payroll Specialist - Contractor

ALKEGEN•Dallas, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for accurate and timely multi-state payroll processing, payroll tax compliance and reporting, and resolving complex payroll tax issues. The role serves as a subject matter expert on payroll tax regulations, agency notices, tax audits, reconciliations, and payroll reporting, ensuring payroll operations meet federal, state, and local requirements. The position handles payroll tax administration, reporting and compliance, payroll operations, and system and process improvements. It works with HR, Finance, external payroll vendors, and tax agencies, and supports payroll-related projects and organizational changes. The contract is for 3–6 months, with potential extension. The work arrangement is hybrid, with Monday through Thursday in the office, and the role reports to the US Payroll Lead.

Requirements

At least 5 years of payroll administration experience.
At least 3 years of direct payroll tax compliance and payroll tax case management experience.
Demonstrated experience resolving federal, state, and local payroll tax notices and audits.
Strong knowledge of multi-state payroll administration; federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations; wage and hour laws; garnishments and deductions; and quarterly and annual payroll tax filings.
Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and data analysis.
Experience with large payroll systems such as Workday, Dayforce, ADP, UKG, SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and exceptional attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting payrolls of 1,000 or more employees.
Experience in a manufacturing or multi-location environment.
Experience managing payroll tax vendors and third-party payroll providers.
Knowledge of international payroll practices and expatriate taxation.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll tax matters and agency correspondence.
Research, analyze, and resolve federal, state, and local payroll tax notices.
Manage payroll tax registrations, account maintenance, and jurisdictional updates.
Coordinate responses to tax agency inquiries and audits.
Ensure accurate withholding, reporting, and remittance of payroll taxes.
Identify and resolve payroll tax filing discrepancies and reconciliation issues.
Monitor regulatory changes and recommend payroll process updates.
Prepare and analyze payroll reports for Finance, HR, and internal stakeholders.
Perform payroll account reconciliations and identify variances.
Support quarterly and annual tax filings.
Assist with SOX controls, internal audits, and compliance documentation.
Maintain payroll records in accordance with company policy and legal requirements.
Develop and document payroll procedures and process improvements.
Process weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and off-cycle payrolls accurately and on schedule.
Review transactions including new hires, terminations, pay adjustments, bonus payments, commissions, and garnishments.
Validate payroll inputs and outputs for compliance with company policies and applicable regulations.
Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies, overpayments, and employee payroll inquiries.
Support year-end payroll activities, including W-2 processing and payroll audits.
Partner with HR, Finance, and external payroll vendors to resolve payroll-related issues.
Identify process inefficiencies and recommend improvements to accuracy and compliance.
Support payroll system testing, upgrades, and implementation activities as needed.
Participate in payroll-related projects, mergers, acquisitions, or organizational changes.