Payroll Specialist

at Robert Half in Lawrence, Kansas, United States

Job Description

Description

We are looking for a Payroll Specialist to oversee accurate and timely payroll operations for a multi-entity, multi-state workforce in Lawrence, Kansas. This role partners closely with HR, Finance, and site leadership to maintain payroll records, support compliance obligations, and ensure employees are paid correctly each cycle. The ideal candidate brings strong payroll systems experience, a detail-focused approach, and the ability to manage reporting, tax administration, and deduction activity in a fast-paced environment. This is a newly created role with a GROWING company and a phenomenal team! Reach out and apply today!

Responsibilities:

- Administer end-to-end payroll processing across multiple entities and states, including regular payroll runs, imported hours, special earnings, deductions, incentive payments, and off-cycle checks.

- Review timekeeping records each pay period, coordinate with supervisors on missed punches or approval issues, and resolve exceptions before payroll is finalized.

- Maintain paid time off and leave accrual structures in the payroll system and verify that employee balances remain accurate and up to date.

- Oversee the payroll schedule by communicating key deadlines, cutoffs, and submission requirements to managers and operating locations.

- Manage payroll system configuration such as earnings codes, deduction settings, job classifications, and entity-level setup while contributing to process enhancements.

- Support payroll onboarding for newly acquired businesses by organizing employee data conversion, tax setup, deduction mapping, and parallel payroll validation.

- Handle payroll tax administration by establishing state and local accounts, monitoring rates, reconciling filings, and responding to agency inquiries or notices.

- Process garnishments, child support withholdings, and tax levies in accordance with applicable laws, while coordinating required communication with employees and agencies.

- Prepare payroll-related reports for Finance and HR, including journal entry support, labor allocation details, accrual documentation, year-end reporting, compliance filings, and audit requests.

- Reconcile benefit deductions and carrier invoices, assist with open enrollment updates, and process retirement plan contribution remittances accurately and on time.

- Hands-on experience with ADP payroll platforms, including Vantage or Workforce Now.

- Working knowledge of payroll tax account setup, quarterly and annual filing reconciliation, and response handling for tax notices.

- Experience administering garnishments, benefit deductions, and monthly reconciliation of payroll-related invoices or enrollments.

- Familiarity with payroll reporting, year-end activities such as W-2 processing, and support for internal or external audits.

- Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage deadlines, maintain data accuracy, and prioritize multiple payroll activities.

- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field preferred.

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 (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-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.

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