Payroll Specialist (ADP Workforce Now)

Vale Group; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Vale Group in Tampa, FL is seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist to own end-to-end payroll across multiple states, on-site in the Westchase area. The role also supports day-to-day accounting tasks and period-end closing.

Ideal candidates have ADP Workforce Now expertise, strong accounting fundamentals, and a proven ability to improve payroll processes. Role offers a competitive salary and opportunities for process optimization.

Qualifications

• Practical experience managing payroll for employees spread across multiple states.
• Solid grasp of core accounting work, including journalizing, period-end accruals, GL maintenance, and reconciling asset and liability balances.
• Comfort turning raw pay and finance figures into clean, accurate summaries.
• A track record of meeting recurring, time-sensitive deadlines with consistent precision.
• Ideally 3+ years spent processing pay, accounting for payroll activity, or working in a corporate finance function.
• Bachelor’s in Finance, Accounting, Business, or another relevant discipline is preferred; equivalent work history will also be weighed.
• Payroll certification (FPC or CPP) is preferred, but not required.
• Advanced Excel proficiency for analysis, tie-outs, and reporting.
• Prior exposure to commission plans or 401(k) plan administration is a big plus.
• Keen eye for detail, discretion handling confidential data, and an easy, team-oriented working style across HR, Finance, auditors, and outside vendors.
• ADP Workforce Now (highly preferred), plus familiarity with timekeeping platforms.

Responsibilities

• Run standard and off-cycle payrolls through ADP Workforce Now, including supplemental pay, bonuses, and commissions.
• Validate timekeeping inputs, pay registers, withholdings, cash funding, and any exceptions before each cycle is finalized.
• Book payroll entries and accruals, keeping reconciliations current with clean backup schedules.
• Keep payroll-linked liability balances reconciled, covering taxes, benefits, wage garnishments, and 401(k) contributions.
• Partner on monthly, quarter-end, and annual closings, owning designated GL accounts while explaining fluctuations.
• Manage payroll’s piece of a self-directed 401(k) plan, covering elective deferrals, contribution tie-outs, and serving as the main contact for the plan administrator.
• Serve as a go-to resource for outside auditors during annual financial, benefit plan, workers’ comp, and regulatory reviews.
• Produce recurring management reports on staffing levels, OT, commission earnings, and overall workforce cost.
• Investigate mismatches, resolve issues affecting pay or the books, and recommend process and control improvements.
• Support as needed

Skills

ADP Workforce Now

Advanced Excel

Multistate payroll processing

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s in Finance, Accounting, or Business

Payroll certification (FPC/CPP)

Tools

ADP Workforce Now

Timekeeping platforms

Job description

Be sure to follow our LinkedIn company page! https://www.linkedin.com/company/valegroup/ Please note this role requires proficiency in ADP Workforce Now. Approximately :60% of the time will be focused on payroll, the remainder will be supporting accounting. Vale Group, a nationwide specialized recruitment firm, has partnered with a company based in Tampa, FL (Westchase area), who is actively searching for an experienced Payroll Specialist to work onsite for an opportunity paying up to $75,000 per year, based on experience. This position blends end-to-end ownership of multistate pay cycles alongside day-to-day staff accounting work like ledger upkeep, period-end closing, and reconciliations. Ideal candidates bring practical ADP Workforce Now expertise, solid accounting fundamentals, and real enthusiasm for improving processes.

Requirements of the Payroll Specialist:

• Practical experience managing payroll for employees spread across multiple states
• Solid grasp of core accounting work, including journalizing, period-end accruals, GL maintenance, and reconciling asset and liability balances
• Comfort turning raw pay and finance figures into clean, accurate summaries
• A track record of meeting recurring, time-sensitive deadlines with consistent precision
• Ideally 3+ years spent processing pay, accounting for payroll activity, or working in a corporate finance function
• Bachelor’s in Finance, Accounting, Business, or another relevant discipline is preferred; equivalent work history will also be weighed
• Payroll certification (FPC or CPP) is preferred, but not required
• Advanced Excel proficiency for analysis, tie-outs, and reporting
• Prior exposure to commission plans or 401(k) plan administration is a big plus
• Keen eye for detail, discretion handling confidential data, and an easy, team-oriented working style across HR, Finance, auditors, and outside vendors
• ADP Workforce Now (highly preferred), plus familiarity with timekeeping platforms

Responsibilities of the Payroll Specialist:

• Run standard and off-cycle payrolls through ADP Workforce Now, including supplemental pay, bonuses, and commissions
• Validate timekeeping inputs, pay registers, withholdings, cash funding, and any exceptions before each cycle is finalized
• Book payroll entries and accruals, keeping reconciliations current with clean backup schedules
• Keep payroll-linked liability balances reconciled, covering taxes, benefits, wage garnishments, and 401(k) contributions
• Partner on monthly, quarter-end, and annual closings, owning designated GL accounts while explaining fluctuations
• Manage payroll’s piece of a self-directed 401(k) plan, covering elective deferrals, contribution tie-outs, and serving as the main contact for the plan administrator
• Serve as a go-to resource for outside auditors during annual financial, benefit plan, workers’ comp, and regulatory reviews
• Produce recurring management reports on staffing levels, OT, commission earnings, and overall workforce cost
• Investigate mismatches, resolve issues affecting pay or the books, and recommend process and control improvements
• Support as needed