Payroll Specialist

EPS Group•Mesa, AZ

23h•Hybrid

About The Position

We’re seeking a detail‑oriented Payroll Specialist to own end-to-end payroll operations for our mid‑size engineering firm. You will manage Deltek Vantagepoint time collection and process payroll through ADP (e.g., ADP Workforce Now) with a relentless focus on accuracy, compliance, and an excellent employee experience. The ideal candidate understands the nuances of project‑based professional services (billable labor, prevailing wage where applicable, certified payrolls), multi‑state payroll and fringe benefits reporting. Additionally, the individual will assist with the monthly billing process to communicate with project managers, create and send invoices to clients.

Requirements

2–5+ years of hands‑on payroll experience in a professional services/AEC or multi‑entity environment.
Proficiency with ADP (e.g., Workforce Now) and Deltek Vantagepoint (Time) preferred.
Working knowledge of multi‑state payroll, wage & hour rules, and pre/post‑tax deductions.
Strong Excel skills.
High attention to detail, deadline driven, and customer‑service mindset.
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).

Nice To Haves

Certifications (preferred): FPC or CPP (APA), ADP WFN training, Deltek Vantagepoint Time & Expense training.
Accounting/GL: Deltek reports and journal interface experience (nice to have)

Responsibilities

Process bi‑weekly payroll using ADP for 250 - 280 employees (majority of 2 states, but total of 16 states); validate earnings, taxes, deductions, and net pay.
Reconcile payroll previews to final registers; resolve variances prior to submission.
Process off‑cycle checks, retro pay, bonuses, gross‑ups, and terminations (final pay timing by state).
Manage garnishments, levies, and child support orders; coordinate with ADP as needed.
Administer Deltek Vantagepoint timesheets: calendar setup, pay periods, accrual rules, timesheet validation, correction workflows, and manager approvals.
Monitor timesheet compliance, resolve missing/late entries, and enforce company policy and contract requirements (e.g. prevailing wage and certified payroll).
Communicate with project managers to address labor coding and cost allocations.
Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws (overtime, meal/rest, final pay, pay statements).
Support payroll tax filings (in partnership with ADP), including registrations for new states/jurisdictions.
Prepare recurring payroll reports (labor distribution, tax summaries, headcount, 401(k) census, PTO liability).
Assist with year‑end (W‑2/W‑2C), audits (external, 401(k), workers’ comp), and internal controls documentation.
Reconcile benefit deductions (medical, dental, vision, FSA/HSA, life, LTD/STD) and retirement plan contributions; resolve discrepancies with brokers/TPAs.
Coordinate with Accounting on GL interfaces, payroll journal entries, and payroll account reconciliations.
Support HR onboarding/offboarding (I‑9/E‑Verify routing, tax forms, direct deposit, pay profiles).
Maintain SOPs/playbooks; drive automation and accuracy improvements across Deltek and ADP.
Provide timely, professional support to employees and managers; maintain strict confidentiality.