Payroll Specialist

Accelerate Professional Talent Solutions; Waukesha (WI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Accelerate Professional Talent Solutions seeks a Payroll Specialist to own multi-state payroll processing for 300+ employees. You will work closely with Finance and HR to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely payroll runs onsite in Wisconsin.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of payroll experience, proficiency with ADP or Paylocity, and strong attention to detail in a confidential environment. This is a full-time, direct-hire role with competitive salary and benefits in an employee-owned

Qualifications

• 5+ years of payroll processing experience required.
• Associate or Bachelor degree in Accounting or a related field a plus.
• Experience using third-party payroll providers and a HRIS.
• Multi-state payroll experience preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Excel.

Responsibilities

• Process multiple payrolls accurately and on schedule
• Maintain payroll records for new hires, transfers, and employee changes in collaboration with HR
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations
• Prepare payroll reports, reconciliations, and related audits
• Manage withholdings, garnishments, 401(k) contributions, and payroll tax requirements
• Research and resolve payroll-related questions from employees and leadership
• Administer year-end payroll activities, including W-2 processing
• Track bonus and commission eligibility records
• Prepare weekly prevailing wage calculations and reporting when applicable
• Process contractor accounts payable transactions
• Assist with month-end close activities, including journal entries and account reconciliations
• Support cash reporting and ad hoc payroll and financial reporting needs
• Help document payroll processes and establish backup procedures to strengthen internal operations

Skills

Attention to detail

Confidentiality

Multi-state payroll

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field

Tools

ADP

Paylocity

HRIS

Excel

Job description

Are you a payroll professional who thrives on accuracy, compliance, and continuous improvement? Our client is seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist to take ownership of multi-state payroll processing for 300 employees while serving as a trusted resource for payroll-related questions across the organization. Reporting directly to the Corporate Controller, this highly visible role partners closely with Finance and Human Resources to ensure payroll is processed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with all applicable regulations. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and enjoys building relationships while becoming the organization's payroll expert. This is a full-time, direct hire, fully onsite position that offers a competitive salary and benefits with an employee-owned company.

What You'll Do

• Process multiple payrolls accurately and on schedule
• Maintain payroll records for new hires, transfers, and employee changes in collaboration with HR
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations
• Prepare payroll reports, reconciliations, and related audits
• Manage withholdings, garnishments, 401(k) contributions, and payroll tax requirements
• Research and resolve payroll-related questions from employees and leadership
• Administer year-end payroll activities, including W-2 processing
• Track bonus and commission eligibility records
• Prepare weekly prevailing wage calculations and reporting when applicable
• Process contractor accounts payable transactions
• Assist with month-end close activities, including journal entries and account reconciliations
• Support cash reporting and ad hoc payroll and financial reporting needs
• Help document payroll processes and establish backup procedures to strengthen internal operations

Qualifications

• 5+ years of payroll processing experience required
• Associate or Bachelor degree in Accounting or a related field a plus
• Experience using third-party payroll providers and a HRIS
• Multi-state payroll experience preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Excel
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Experience with ADP and/or Paylocity a plus