Payroll Specialist

We are looking for an experienced Payroll Specialist to support a long-term contract opportunity based in Akron, Ohio. This role is ideal for a detail-focused candidate who can oversee complex multi-state payroll operations while partnering with HR and internal stakeholders to maintain accuracy, compliance, and strong employee support. The position may be performed in a hybrid arrangement or fully remote for the right candidate.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee end-to-end processing of bi-weekly multi-state payroll, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on schedule while coordinating related deductions, retirement contributions, loan repayments, and other payroll obligations.
• Maintain and support payroll and timekeeping system settings to promote reliable processing and accurate recordkeeping across platforms.
• Prepare recurring and on-demand payroll reports for teams such as Accounting, Legal, Benefits, and Human Resources to support business decisions and compliance needs.
• Investigate and resolve advanced payroll issues, communicate clearly with stakeholders, and drive inquiries through to completion with a high level of ownership.
• Administer payroll compliance activities, including tax withholding requirements, garnishments, subpoenas, audit support, and reconciliation of payroll balances and pay data.
• Research notices from federal, state, and local tax agencies and implement timely corrections or responses to resolve outstanding issues.
• Contribute to process improvement efforts and system-related projects, including integrations, workflow enhancements, and payroll documentation updates.
• Perform audits and reconciliations across multiple systems to verify data accuracy, strengthen internal controls, and support year-end readiness.
• Coordinate year-end payroll activities such as W-2 preparation and tax filing support, and provide backup assistance for site administrative responsibilities when needed.
• Minimum of seven years of payroll experience, including full-cycle payroll administration in a high-volume environment.
• Demonstrated expertise managing multi-state payroll and compliance for a workforce of more than 500 employees.
• Certified Payroll (CPP) designation is required.
• Preferred educational background in Human Resources, Business, or a related field.
• Strong working knowledge of payroll reporting, with advanced skills in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.
• Experience with Paylocity is preferred, and familiarity with Fidelity is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organization, and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a consistent record of producing accurate, high-quality work.