Payroll Specialist

Aston Carter • Appleton, WI

6d • $24 - $25 • Onsite

About The Position

The Payroll Specialist processes and administers weekly payroll for approximately 800 hourly and salaried employees across multiple states. The role is responsible for accurate, timely payroll processing and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, with particular attention to California requirements. It manages payroll data and employee records, administers direct deposit and pay cards, supports benefit-related deductions, investigates payroll discrepancies, and prepares payroll reports. The position works closely with Accounting and Human Resources and may assist with related accounting and administrative tasks.

This is a fully onsite contract-to-hire position in Appleton, Wisconsin, within a collaborative professional office environment. The role uses payroll software, timekeeping systems, and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and follows weekly payroll deadlines. The opportunity may transition to a long-term, permanent role based on performance and business needs.

Requirements

• 13 years of payroll, accounting, or related administrative experience.
• Experience processing multi-state payroll.
• Experience supporting payroll for a mid-sized to large employee population, such as several hundred employees.
• Experience handling payroll for both hourly and salaried workers.
• Strong understanding of payroll regulations and compliance requirements.
• High attention to detail and accuracy when working with numerical data and employee records.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for interacting with employees and internal teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including strong skills in Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to reconcile payroll data and perform basic payroll accounting tasks.
• Ability to perform accurate data entry and review of payroll information.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with weekly payroll cycles.

Nice To Haves

• Experience processing California payroll.
• Experience with UKG payroll software.
• Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• Experience administering pay cards and direct deposit programs.
• Experience supporting benefit-related payroll deductions such as 401(k) and HSA.
• Experience preparing payroll reports and supporting internal data requests.
• Familiarity with multi-state payroll compliance and related reporting requirements.

Responsibilities

• Process and administer weekly payroll for approximately 800 employees across multiple states, including hourly and salaried staff.
• Complete payroll accurately and on schedule, meeting strict payroll deadlines.
• Import, review, and manage payroll data from timekeeping systems into payroll software, verifying its completeness and accuracy.
• Maintain employee payroll records, including wage assignments, garnishments, deductions, and direct deposit information.
• Administer pay cards and direct deposit programs.
• Troubleshoot payroll discrepancies, investigate variances, and resolve payroll-related inquiries from employees and internal stakeholders.
• Coordinate with Human Resources to maintain accurate earnings codes, deduction codes, and employee records.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, with particular attention to California requirements.
• Support payroll integrations and benefit-related deductions, including 401(k), HSA, and other employee programs.
• Prepare payroll reports and respond to data requests from Accounting, Human Resources, and other internal stakeholders.
• Assist with general accounting and administrative functions related to payroll as needed.
• Maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive employee and payroll information.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits, if eligible.
• Critical illness, accident, and hospital coverage, if eligible.
• 401(k) retirement plan with pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available, if eligible.
• Voluntary life insurance and AD&D coverage for the employee and dependents, if eligible.
• Short- and long-term disability, if eligible.
• Health Spending Account (HSA), if eligible.
• Transportation benefits, if eligible.
• Employee Assistance Program, if eligible.
• Time off or leave, including PTO, vacation, or sick leave, if eligible.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: No Education Listed