Payroll Off-Cycle Specialist

SGS Consulting; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

SGS Consulting seeks an experienced payroll professional to manage all off-cycle payroll activities, including bonuses and terminations, while ensuring regulatory compliance in the U.S. and Florida.

The role requires leading automation projects, mapping processes, and partnering with Payroll, HR, Finance, and IT to implement enhancements. Strong data analytics, communication, and change management are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• 4+ years payroll processing experience, including off-cycle operations.
• 2+ years leading payroll process improvement or automation projects.
• Experience with cloud-based payroll systems and payroll platforms.

Responsibilities

• Manage all off-cycle payroll activities including bonuses, terminations, retroactive adjustments, tax corrections, and special runs.
• Ensure payroll processing complies with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Assess and document current off-cycle workflows with approvals and data handoffs.
• Develop detailed process maps and identify automation opportunities.
• Lead short-term projects to streamline payroll operations with new technologies.
• Evaluate and implement automation such as RPA and workflow orchestration.

Skills

Off-cycle payroll

SAP ECP/EC Payroll

Advanced Excel (Power Query/PowerPivot

Payroll automation (RPA, orchestration

SOX controls & payroll audits

Data-driven improvement

Communication & presentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Finance/Accounting/HR

CPP certification preferred

Tools

SAP Employee Central Payroll (ECP)

SAP Employee Central

Job description

Job Responsibilities

• Manage all off-cycle payroll activities, including bonus payments, terminations, retroactive adjustments, tax corrections, and special payroll runs
• Ensure timely and accurate payroll processing while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Assess and document current off-cycle payroll workflows, including approvals, controls, and data handoffs
• Develop detailed process maps and identify opportunities for automation and operational improvements
• Lead short-term projects focused on streamlining payroll operations through emerging technologies
• Evaluate, pilot, and implement automation solutions such as RPA, workflow orchestration platforms, and AI-assisted data validation tools
• Measure, track, and report efficiency gains resulting from process improvements
• Maintain documentation supporting compliance, audit requirements, and internal controls
• Collaborate with Payroll, HR, Finance, and IT teams to implement process enhancements
• Provide training and change management support related to new tools, workflows, and reporting procedures
• Support payroll compliance initiatives, including SOX controls and payroll tax requirements
• Analyze payroll data and make data-driven recommendations for continuous improvement

Skills

• Strong experience managing off-cycle payroll processing and special payroll runs
• Proficiency with SAP Employee Central Payroll (ECP) and SAP Employee Central
• Advanced Microsoft Excel, Power Query, and Power Pivot skills
• Experience with payroll automation technologies, including RPA and workflow orchestration platforms
• Strong understanding of U.S. payroll tax regulations and payroll compliance requirements
• Knowledge of SOX controls and payroll audit processes
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and process improvement skills
• Ability to leverage data to support decision-making and operational enhancements
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Experience training users and supporting organizational change initiatives
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment

Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 4+ years of payroll processing experience, including at least 2+ years focused on off-cycle payroll operations
• 2+ years of experience leading payroll process improvement or automation projects
• Experience with cloud-based payroll systems and payroll technology platforms
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification preferred
• Previous leadership or team lead experience preferred
• Demonstrated accounting and payroll knowledge through relevant professional experience