Payroll Clerk

We are looking for a Payroll Clerk to support accurate and timely payroll operations for hourly and salaried employees. This is a Contract position suited for someone who can manage end-to-end payroll activities, maintain precise employee records, and work effectively across payroll, human resources, and finance teams. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience with multi-state payroll processing, strong numerical accuracy, and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.

Responsibilities:

• Manage complete weekly and biweekly payroll cycles for union and non-union employees across multiple states, ensuring all payments are processed correctly and on schedule.
• Update and audit employee payroll records, including hires, separations, compensation adjustments, tax elections, direct deposit details, and other status changes.
• Review payroll transactions for approvals, policy alignment, and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
• Reconcile timekeeping information, validate hours worked, and address discrepancies so payroll calculations remain accurate.
• Prepare off-cycle payments such as retroactive pay, incentive payments, final checks, union-related settlements, and other special payroll items as needed.
• Partner with human resources, finance, and other internal teams to maintain consistent employee data and produce payroll-related reporting for labor distribution, overtime, leave balances, headcount, and retirement contributions.
• Create payroll, union, and payment request reports while researching issues and resolving calculation or processing errors.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries carefully and courteously, safeguard confidential records, and assist with incoming corporate mail and additional administrative support as assigned.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least 3 years of payroll experience, including full-cycle payroll processing.
• Experience supporting payroll for organizations with approximately 101 to 500 employees.
• Knowledge of multi-state payroll practices, including union and non-union processing and garnishments.
• Proficiency with payroll systems such as EV5 or EV6 and eTime, along with strong Microsoft Excel, Word, and Access skills.
• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and payroll instructions accurately while maintaining strong attention to detail.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills, strong math ability, and a high level of discretion with sensitive information.
• Business school training or payroll certification such as FPC or CPP is preferred; transit industry experience is also a plus.