Payroll Specialist

Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Work Setting: In-office
Compensation: Competitive; DOE (Dependent on Experience)

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist to support accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing. This role requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and sound judgment to manage moderately complex payroll activities with minimal supervision. The Payroll Specialist will partner closely with HR, Finance, and business leaders to maintain payroll accuracy, data integrity, and continuous improvement of payroll processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Process full-cycle payroll on a regular schedule, including validating hours, reviewing timekeeping data, and ensuring accurate wage calculations
• Maintain and audit payroll records, including employee changes, tax updates, benefits deductions, and direct deposit information
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies by collaborating with managers and employees
• Calculate and process special payments such as bonuses, incentives, shift differentials, and retroactive adjustments
• Complete administrative payroll functions, including sorting and scanning mail, daily audits, terminations, and garnishment refunds
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll inquiries by monitoring the payroll inbox and answering incoming phone calls
• Prepare, generate, and reconcile payroll and month-end reports for internal stakeholders
• Assist with garnishments, tax withholdings, benefits deductions, and other statutory payroll requirements
• Respond to employee inquiries with a strong customer service mindset and escalate complex issues as needed
• Support quarterly and year-end activities, including W-2 processing, audits, and data validation

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• 2–5 years of payroll processing experience required
• Multi-state payroll experience preferred

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with payroll systems such as ADP, UKG, Paycom, Ceridian, Workday, or SAP/ECP
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including VLOOKUPs, PivotTables, and formulas

Knowledge & Expertise

• Solid understanding of payroll regulations, including FLSA, tax compliance, and garnishments
• Familiarity with benefits deductions, timekeeping systems, and general accounting principles

Core Competencies

• Accuracy & critical thinking
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Problem-solving mindset
• Effective time management
• Confidentiality & professionalism
• Continuous process improvement focus