Payroll Clerk

Skill; Westlake (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquent is partnering with a leading financial services institution to manage payroll operations. The role focuses on ensuring accurate, on-time payroll processing across multiple states, handling garnishments, off-cycle payments, and payroll inquiries.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years of full-cycle payroll experience, strong Excel skills, and thorough knowledge of payroll regulations. Join a collaborative HR team dedicated to precision, service, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of full-cycle, multi-state payroll processing experience.
• Proficiency with a major payroll system, timekeeping, or absence management platform.
• Strong attention to detail with accuracy and timely completion.
• Experience using payroll systems and data query tools to research, analyze, and resolve payroll issues.
• Advanced Excel skills (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, formulas).
• Knowledge of federal and state payroll laws, regulations, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily and bi-weekly payroll processing with strict deadlines.
• Resolve payroll questions and provide timely support to employees and managers.
• Support garnishments, ACH rejects, off-cycle payments, and paycheck distribution.
• Research issues related to earnings, taxes, deductions, and timekeeping.
• Prepare and analyze monthly payroll metrics and reports.
• Contribute to process improvements and payroll projects.

Skills

Multistate payroll processing

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Prioritization & deadlines

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, business, or related field

CPP certification (nice-to-have)

Tools

Payroll system experience

Timekeeping/absence management platform

Advanced Excel (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables)

Data query tools for payroll research

Job description

Overview

Placement Type: Temporary

Salary: $24.96-27.73 Hourly

Start Date: Sep 6, 2026

Aquent is partnering with a leading financial services institution dedicated to creating an engaged and supportive workplace. This organization is committed to ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time, maintaining compliance across various entities and jurisdictions, and supporting critical financial operations like payroll tax filings and general ledger reconciliations. They are passionate about enhancing the employee experience through innovative self-service tools, automation, and continuous service-level improvements.

Are you a meticulous and driven payroll professional ready to make a significant impact? This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic HR team where your expertise will directly contribute to the financial well-being of a vast employee base. As a key player in Payroll Operations, you will be instrumental in ensuring seamless daily and bi-weekly payroll activities, upholding strict processing deadlines, and fostering a positive employee experience through accurate calculations and clear communication. Your contributions will directly support the company's commitment to its employees and operational excellence.

Your Impactful Responsibilities

• Communicating clearly and professionally with employees, managers, and business partners to resolve payroll questions and provide timely support.
• Applying strong attention to detail and analytical skills to ensure payroll data, calculations, and corrections are accurate.
• Supporting diverse payroll processes, including garnishment backup, ACH reject review, off-cycle payments, and efficient paycheck or payslip distribution.
• Using sound business judgment to understand payroll impacts, identify issues, and determine when escalation to payroll leadership is needed.
• Researching and resolving cases related to earnings, taxes, deductions, timekeeping, and absence.
• Maintaining, analyzing, and preparing monthly payroll metrics and reports for review.
• Contributing to special projects, process improvements, and other payroll duties as assigned.
• Collaborating effectively as part of a team while also managing individual responsibilities and deadlines.

What You'll Bring (Must-Have Qualifications)

• 3+ years of full-cycle, multi-state payroll processing experience.
• Proficiency with a major payroll system, timekeeping, or absence management platform.
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy, quality, and timely completion of work.
• Experience using payroll systems and data query tools to research, analyze, and resolve payroll issues.
• Advanced Excel skills, including VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, formulas, and data analysis.
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state payroll laws, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to set priorities, meet performance goals, and deliver high-quality results.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to evaluate information and resolve complex issues.
• Proven success working effectively in both team-oriented and independent environments.
• Continuous improvement mindset, with the ability to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and productivity.

What Will Set You Apart (Nice-to-Have Qualifications)

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, business, or a closely related field.

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