Payroll Specialist

We are looking for a Payroll Specialist to support accurate and timely payroll operations for employees across the U.S. and Canada in a fully remote, Long-term Contract role based in Middle River, Maryland. This position will focus on end-to-end payroll processing, account reconciliation, issue resolution, and reporting in a high-volume environment. The ideal candidate brings strong experience with multi-state payroll, withholding requirements, and payroll systems such as UKG Pro, with added value for expertise in payroll tax compliance.

Responsibilities:
• Process weekly and biweekly payroll cycles for U.S. and Canadian employees, ensuring deadlines are met and pay is calculated correctly.
• Review timekeeping records, payroll summaries, deduction details, and related audit reports to confirm data accuracy before each payroll is finalized.
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies by analyzing prior payments, employee records, garnishments, deductions, and tax-related questions.
• Prepare recurring and on-demand payroll reporting, including registers, tax documentation, variance analysis, and statistical summaries for business review.
• Calculate complex pay items such as retroactive earnings, overpayments, accrual adjustments, incentive payments, and off-cycle checks when required.
• Reconcile payroll-related accounts and support month-end close activities through journal entry preparation and payroll posting validation.
• Track payroll trends from one cycle to the next, identify unusual changes, and escalate or correct issues as needed.
• Maintain payroll compliance and audit readiness by following established controls, documenting changes, and supporting regulatory requirements, including withholding tax considerations.
• Assist during organizational change periods by helping sustain payroll continuity and dependable employee payment processing.
• Utilize payroll and reporting tools, including UKG Pro and business intelligence reporting, to produce accurate records and operational insights.

Qualifications:

• At least 3 years of experience processing high-volume payroll in a fast-paced environment.
• Hands-on knowledge of full-cycle payroll administration across multiple states, with exposure to U.S. and Canada payroll practices.
• Experience using payroll platforms such as UKG Pro, Ceridian, Oracle, Workday, or similar enterprise systems.
• Working understanding of payroll accounting concepts, including taxes, reconciliations, and general ledger impacts.
• Ability to create, interpret, and analyze spreadsheets and payroll reports with proficiency in Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Strong familiarity with payroll compliance requirements, including employee withholdings, garnishments, and audit controls.
• Associate degree in accounting, finance, human resources, or a related field.
• Additional strength in payroll tax compliance, especially withholding tax matters, is highly preferred.

Compensation

$28.00-$35.00 Hourly

About Us

Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.

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All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.

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