Payroll Specialist

PharPoint Research, Inc.; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

PharPoint Research, Inc. in Durham, NC is seeking a Payroll Specialist to join the Finance team and manage end-to-end payroll processes for all employees.

You will ensure accuracy in wages, taxes, and deductions while maintaining comprehensive payroll records. Responsibilities include compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws, processing paychecks or direct deposits, and preparing payroll reports for management and audits.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma; degree in accounting, finance, or business preferred.
• At least 2 years payroll processing experience.
• Experience with payroll software (ADP, Paychex, Paylocity) and payroll regulations.
• CPP certification desirable.
• English fluency required.

Responsibilities

• Process payroll for all employees accurately and on time.
• Maintain and update payroll records and tax exemptions.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws.
• Prepare paychecks or direct deposits and related reports.
• Reconcile payroll monthly and assist with audits.
• Collaborate with HR and finance for timekeeping integration.

Skills

Payroll processing

Payroll taxes

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent; degree in accounting, finance, or business preferred

Tools

ADP

Paychex

Paylocity

Job description

Basic Summary

Perform the execution of financial functions involving invoicing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, purchasing, payroll, and general bookkeeping.

• Process payroll for all employees on a timely basis, ensuring accuracy in wages, bonuses, overtime, and deductions.
• Maintain and update employee payroll records, including personal information, tax exemptions, and wage changes.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations.
• Prepare and distribute paychecks or direct deposit statements to employees.
• Assist employees with payroll-related inquiries and resolve issues or discrepancies in a professional manner.
• Calculate and file payroll taxes, ensuring timely submission to appropriate government agencies.
• Manage benefits deductions and ensure proper recording in payroll systems.
• Prepare reports on payroll expenses, tax filings, and employee compensation for management and auditors.
• Perform monthly payroll reconciliation.
• Stay updated on changes to payroll tax laws, benefits regulations, and best practices.
• Collaborate with HR and finance teams to ensure seamless payroll integration with timekeeping systems and employee records
• Perform other double-entry accounting activities as necessary.
• Contribute to building strong internal and external client relationships through positive interactions.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Job Description

Payroll Specialist

Department

Finance

Version Date

02 September 2026

Contract Type

Non-Exempt

Basic Summary

Perform the execution of financial functions involving invoicing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, purchasing, payroll, and general bookkeeping.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Process payroll for all employees on a timely basis, ensuring accuracy in wages, bonuses, overtime, and deductions.
• Maintain and update employee payroll records, including personal information, tax exemptions, and wage changes.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations.
• Prepare and distribute paychecks or direct deposit statements to employees.
• Assist employees with payroll-related inquiries and resolve issues or discrepancies in a professional manner.
• Calculate and file payroll taxes, ensuring timely submission to appropriate government agencies.
• Manage benefits deductions and ensure proper recording in payroll systems.
• Prepare reports on payroll expenses, tax filings, and employee compensation for management and auditors.
• Perform monthly payroll reconciliation.
• Stay updated on changes to payroll tax laws, benefits regulations, and best practices.
• Collaborate with HR and finance teams to ensure seamless payroll integration with timekeeping systems and employee records
• Perform other double-entry accounting activities as necessary.
• Contribute to building strong internal and external client relationships through positive interactions.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education:
• A high school diploma or equivalent is required, with a degree in accounting, finance, or business preferred.
• Experience:
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in payroll processing or a similar role is required.
• Proficiency with payroll software (e.g., ADP, Paychex, Paylocity) and knowledge of tax laws and payroll regulations is essential.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
• Certification/Licensure: Certification in payroll (e.g., Certified Payroll Professional - CPP) is highly desirable.
• Other: Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English is required.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to understand both written and verbal communication, type/work at a computer, and sit for up to 90% of the workday.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• General office working conditions, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Comments

• Must have a valid driver's license with no limitations on driving availability.

Signature

I have reviewed this job description and understand the duties, responsibilities and requirements of this position.

SIGNATURE

DATE

Employee

All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their position.

• The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.