Payroll Clerk

Interim Payroll Specialist (3–5 Month Contract)

Our client is seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist to provide interim support during a critical payroll transition. This role will bridge a 3–5 month gap created by a team resignation and the planned migration of U.S. payroll operations to a UK-based team. The ideal candidate will be able to step in quickly, maintain payroll continuity, support a recently implemented system, and help minimize disruption during the transition.

Responsibilities

• Process weekly payroll for a contingent workforce of approximately 120–250 contractors, depending on payroll cycle volume.
• Manage full-cycle payroll activities, including new hires, off-cycle payrolls ("baby batches"), payroll adjustments, and payroll reconciliations.
• Handle garnishments, child support orders, unemployment claims, and other payroll-related compliance matters.
• Ensure accurate payroll processing across multi-state employee populations.
• Support benefits administration and payroll-related employee inquiries.
• Manage multiple shared inboxes and maintain organized tracking processes to ensure timely issue resolution.
• Communicate professionally with contractors, consultants, and internal stakeholders regarding payroll matters.
• Assist with troubleshooting and process improvements related to a recently implemented payroll system.
• Support payroll documentation and knowledge transfer efforts as operations transition to the UK team.
• Collect mail and receive ADP deliveries during required Friday office visits.
• 
  

Qualifications:

Requirements

• Expert-level proficiency with ADP Workforce Now is required.
• Strong U.S. payroll experience, including multi-state payroll processing.
• Experience handling garnishments, child support orders, unemployment claims, payroll taxes, and compliance-related matters.
• Ability to process high-volume payroll accurately and efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Experience managing payroll for contingent or contract workforces is highly preferred.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional, adaptable, and comfortable working with various personality types in a fast-paced staffing environment.
• Experience with benefits administration is a plus.
• Prior experience supporting payroll transitions, system implementations, or process changes is highly desirable.

Work Environment

• Hybrid schedule:
• Remote Monday through Thursday
• In-office Fridays in Houston
• Initial onboarding will require 3–4 days onsite during the first week for training and transition support.

Contract Details

• Duration: 3–5 months
• Interview Process: Virtual interviews scheduled for Monday or Tuesday
• Target Start Date: Flexible, ideally between July 13 and July 23
• Immediate need due to upcoming payroll team departures and operational transition

Compensation

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.

Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.

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.

© 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s Terms of Use and Privacy Notice.