Payroll Specialist

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Payroll Specialist to manage and process payroll operations while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of end-to-end payroll experience, strong knowledge of payroll tax regulations, and the ability to handle complex payroll issues in a fast-paced environment. This role works closely with Human Resources, Accounting, and employees to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, and is a long-term contract opportunity based in Tigard, Oregon.

Key Responsibilities

• Process multi-state payroll accurately and on schedule for salaried, hourly, exempt, and non-exempt employees.
• Review and validate payroll data including hours worked, bonuses, commissions, deductions, garnishments, and benefit elections.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations.
• Reconcile payroll reports, tax filings, payroll liabilities, and general ledger accounts.
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies, employee inquiries, and complex payroll issues.
• Coordinate payroll activities related to employee onboarding, terminations, leaves of absence, and benefits changes.
• Maintain payroll records and documentation in accordance with company policies and legal requirements.
• Prepare payroll reports and analytics for management and Finance leadership.
• Support quarterly and year-end payroll processes, including W-2 preparation and reconciliation.
• Stay current on payroll laws, regulations, and industry best practices.

Required

• 5+ years of full-cycle payroll processing experience.
• Experience processing payroll for medium to large employee populations.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state payroll laws, wage and hour regulations, and payroll tax requirements.
• Experience with payroll systems such as ADP, Workday, UKG/Kronos, Paycom, Ceridian Dayforce, Oracle, SAP, or similar platforms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, and data reconciliation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field preferred but not required.
• Multi-state payroll experience.
• Experience with payroll accounting and general ledger reconciliations.
• Exposure to payroll system implementations or conversions.