Payroll Specialist

We are looking for a Payroll Specialist to support accurate and timely payroll operations for a large employee population in Poughkeepsie, New York. This Long-term Contract position is ideal for someone who is comfortable managing biweekly, multi-state payroll in a fast-paced environment while responding to employee pay and timekeeping questions. The role requires strong attention to detail, working knowledge of payroll taxes, deductions, and garnishments, and experience with enterprise payroll and timekeeping platforms.

Responsibilities:
• Administer biweekly payroll for approximately 1,100 employees across multiple states, ensuring processing is completed accurately and on schedule.
• Review payroll data, validate earnings and deductions, and resolve discrepancies before final submission for direct deposit.
• Maintain payroll records related to taxes, benefit withholdings, retirement contributions, and wage garnishments.
• Monitor payroll communications and respond to employee questions regarding pay, time entries, and related adjustments.
• Audit timekeeping information, make necessary corrections, and coordinate updates to support accurate payroll calculation.
• Support payroll compliance by applying federal, state, and local tax requirements and following established payroll procedures.
• Collaborate with internal teams to address payroll exceptions, investigate issues, and improve day-to-day processing efficiency.

Qualifications:

• Experience processing full-cycle, multi-state payroll for a large workforce, ideally 500 or more employees.
• Proficiency with enterprise payroll systems such as ADP Workforce Now, Ceridian Dayforce, or similar platforms.
• Familiarity with Kronos or other timekeeping systems used to review and adjust employee hours.
• Working knowledge of payroll taxes, direct deposit processing, benefits deductions, and garnishment administration.
• Ability to answer employee payroll inquiries clearly and professionally while handling sensitive information with discretion.
• Strong accuracy, organizational skills, and the ability to meet strict biweekly payroll deadlines.
• Background in payroll, accounting support, or related administrative functions is preferred.

Compensation

$25.00-$38.50 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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