Payroll Specialist

Vaco by Highspring; Somerville (NJ); On-site; USD 57,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaco by Highspring is seeking a Payroll Specialist on a temp-to-hire basis in Somerville, NJ. The role manages full payroll for ~250 employees across NJ, NY, and PA, with emphasis on accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of hands-on payroll experience, strong ADP and Excel skills, and thorough knowledge of payroll taxes, deductions, benefits, and wage calculations. Collaboration with HR, Accounting, and other departments is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of hands-on payroll experience in a multi-state environment.
• Strong experience with ADP and Excel.
• Solid knowledge of payroll taxes, deductions, benefits, and wage calculations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive data.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process semi-monthly payroll for ~250 employees in NJ, NY, PA via ADP.
• Manage employee status changes and accurate payroll records.
• Perform payroll taxes, W-2 processing, and related reporting.
• Generate payroll and workforce reports for management and HR.
• Assist with year-end payroll processes and internal controls.

Skills

Payroll processing

ADP

Excel

Data confidentiality

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication skills

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting/Business

Tools

ADP Workforce Now

HRIS

Job description

Location: Somerville, NJ
Compensation: $50/hour during temporary period
Employment Type: Temp-to-Hire
Schedule: Full-Time

Position Overview

Payroll Specialist - Temp-to-Hire

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist to join our team on a temp-to-hire basis. This position will be responsible for managing the full payroll process for approximately 250 employees across multiple states, ensuring payroll is processed accurately, timely, and in compliance with applicable federal and state regulations.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of hands-on payroll experience, strong proficiency with ADP and Excel, and a solid understanding of payroll taxes, deductions, benefits, wage calculations, and payroll reporting. This role works closely with Human Resources, Accounting, and other internal departments and requires a high level of confidentiality, accuracy, and professionalism.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and process accurate semi-monthly payroll through ADP for approximately 250 employees across NJ, NY, and PA.
• Manage employee status changes and ensure payroll records are updated accurately and timely.
• Handle all aspects of payroll processing, including:
  • General Ledger reporting
  • W-4 changes
  • Direct deposits
  • Non-exempt wage calculations
  • Voluntary and involuntary deductions
  • Garnishments
  • Salary adjustments
  • Bonuses
  • Preliminary W-2 review
• Process payroll taxes and ensure the accuracy of related tax forms and reports in accordance with IRS and applicable state requirements.
• Partner with HR to review non-exempt employee timesheets and track billable and non-billable overtime.
• Perform payroll audits and reconciliations as needed to identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Work closely with HR on payroll-related matters, including benefit deductions, 401(k) and HSA contributions, leaves of absence, disability, new-hire onboarding, employee terminations, and documentation retention.
• Respond to employee payroll questions and resolve issues while providing a high level of customer service.
• Generate payroll and workforce-related reports for Management, Accounting, Human Resources, Benefits, Marketing, and other departments as needed.
• Assist with developing and improving payroll procedures, processes, and internal controls to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Complete year-end payroll processes and checklists and assist HR with year-end activities.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and security of employee compensation and personal information.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional payroll experience, preferably in a multi-state environment.
• ADP experience strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of payroll processing, payroll taxes, deductions, garnishments, benefits, and compliance requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the ability to work with payroll data and reports.
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent time-management skills with the ability to meet strict payroll deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism when handling sensitive employee information.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across all levels of an organization.
• Flexible, responsive, and adaptable with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to take initiative, work proactively, and operate independently while also contributing effectively as part of a team.
• HRIS and benefits administration experience is a plus.

Education & Experience

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5+ years of hands-on payroll experience in a professional environment.
• Experience with ADP and/or other payroll systems strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting HRIS and benefits administration is a plus.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, experienced payroll professional who takes ownership of the payroll process and is comfortable working with sensitive information. The successful candidate will be highly organized, deadline-driven, and proactive, with the ability to partner effectively with HR, Accounting, and employees to ensure payroll is accurate and compliant.