Payroll Specialist II

Jackson Healthcare; Alpharetta (GA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Jackson Healthcare is seeking a Payroll Specialist II to handle payroll for multiple pay groups in a complex multi-state environment. You will collaborate with HR, Benefits, and Finance to resolve discrepancies and ensure timely, accurate payroll processing within the Workday platform.

The role requires 3+ years of payroll experience, strong knowledge of federal/state tax rules, and advanced Excel skills. Prior Workday/ADP/UKG experience and CPP/FPC designation are preferred.

Qualifications

• Degree in related field preferred or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of payroll processing experience in multi-state environments.
• Proficiency in payroll principles, tax laws, garnishments, and pre-/post-tax deductions.
• Experience with enterprise payroll systems (Workday, ADP, UKG).
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data validation).

Responsibilities

• Process payroll for assigned pay groups with accuracy and timeliness.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations and garnishments.
• Support audits and year-end activities (W-2s, reconciliations) and respond to discrepancies.

Skills

Payroll processing

Multi-state payroll

Workday

Excel

Tax regulations

Garnishments

CPP/FPC (preferred)

Education

Related degree or equivalent

Tools

Workday Payroll

ADP

UKG

Job description

Overview Jackson Healthcare and our family of companies provide healthcare systems, hospitals and medical facilities of all sizes with the skilled and specialized labor and technologies they need to deliver high quality patient care and achieve the best possible outcomes — while connecting healthcare professionals to the temporary engagements, contract assignments and permanent placement employment opportunities they desire. Headquartered in metro Atlanta, we’re powered by more than 2,600 associates and over 20,000 clinician providers covering all 50 U.S. states. Our mission is to improve the delivery of patient care and the lives of everyone we touch. This includes the patients, clinicians and healthcare executives we work with through our companies every day, as well as our communities, the nonprofit organizations we support and each associate who is part of our family. We’re always looking to add new talent to our teams. We value diverse professionals at all levels and across multiple disciplines and areas of expertise, who have strong leadership skills, align with our culture, and are committed to excellence.

Overview Jackson Healthcare and our family of companies provide healthcare systems, hospitals and medical facilities of all sizes with the skilled and specialized labor and technologies they need to deliver high quality patient care and achieve the best possible outcomes — while connecting healthcare professionals to the temporary engagements, contract assignments and permanent placement employment opportunities they desire. Headquartered in metro Atlanta, we’re powered by more than 2,600 associates and over 20,000 clinician providers covering all 50 U.S. states. Our mission is to improve the delivery of patient care and the lives of everyone we touch. This includes the patients, clinicians and healthcare executives we work with through our companies every day, as well as our communities, the nonprofit organizations we support and each associate who is part of our family. We’re always looking to add new talent to our teams. We value diverse professionals at all levels and across multiple disciplines and areas of expertise, who have strong leadership skills, align with our culture, and are committed to excellence.

The Payroll Specialist II is a mid-level Individual Contributor responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for assigned pay groups within Jackson Healthcare’s multi-company Workday environment. Reporting to the Sr. Manager, Payroll Operations, this role applies a solid working knowledge of payroll principles, federal and state tax regulations, and Workday Payroll to ensure all employees are paid correctly and in compliance with applicable laws. The Payroll Specialist II collaborates with HR, Benefits, Finance, and business partners to resolve payroll discrepancies, supports audit and compliance activities, and contributes to continuous process improvement across the payroll function.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES

• 1. Payroll Processing & Administration Process, balance, audit, and complete payroll for assigned pay groups with accuracy and timeliness in the Workday payroll system. Prepare and import time files, deduction files, and other employee payroll data; validate imports for accuracy prior to payroll confirmation. Review and analyze payroll audit reports, investigate and resolve discrepancies, and ensure corrective actions are documented. Process off-cycle payments, manual checks, voids, reversals, and retroactive adjustments as needed. Support year-end payroll activities including W-2 preparation, reconciliation, and distribution in coordination with the payroll team. Ensure payroll transactions are processed in accordance with established procedures, deadlines, and internal controls. Conducts job duties in accordance with the Corporate Values and Culture: Others First | Wisdom | Growth.
• 2. Compliance & Audit Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, FLSA, and garnishment laws across multi-state operations. Research and resolve payroll tax issues at both the employee and company level; escalate complex compliance matters to the Sr. Manager, Payroll Operations. Support Tax Analyst with tax correspondence and reconciliation of payroll tax filings and deposits. Maintain strict confidentiality of all payroll and financial information in accordance with company policy and applicable regulations. Support internal and external audit requests by providing accurate payroll records and documentation.
• 3. SUPERVISORY This is an Individual Contributor role with no direct reports. May communicate with third-party vendors, tax agencies, or garnishment processing services in the normal course of payroll operations.

QUALIFICATIONS – EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS

Degree in related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience considered.

3+ years of payroll processing experience, preferably in a multi-state environment.

Working knowledge of payroll principles, federal and state tax laws, garnishments, and pre- and post-tax benefit deductions.

Experience with Workday Payroll or another enterprise payroll system (e.g., ADP, UKG).

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office 365 applications.

Preferred FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification) or CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) designation preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Payroll & Technical Skills Solid working knowledge of payroll concepts including earnings, deductions, garnishments, pre- and post-tax benefits, and multi-state tax withholding. Proficiency in payroll processing; ability to navigate payroll worklets, run audit reports, and troubleshoot pay calculation discrepancies. Working knowledge of federal and state payroll tax regulations, FLSA requirements, and garnishment processing rules. Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data validation); proficient in Outlook, Word, and Teams. Analytical skills: ability to reconcile payroll data, investigate discrepancies, and identify root causes. Professional Skills Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy and confidentiality. Strong customer service orientation; ability to communicate empathetically and effectively with employees at all levels regarding sensitive pay matters. Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to manage competing deadlines in a high-volume, fast-paced payroll environment. Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain complex payroll calculations in clear, non-technical language. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a cross-functional team environment. Adaptability: ability to embrace change and shift focus when unexpected work arises.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

No travel required under normal operating conditions; occasional on-site attendance may be requested for implementation events or team training. Typical hybrid or office environment – sedentary work with typing, writing, and reading requirements. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Disclosures Smoking/vaping and the use of tobacco products are prohibited on all Company premises, including indoor and outdoor areas, parking lots, and Company-owned vehicles. As part of our employment process, candidates who receive a conditional offer may be required to undergo pre-employment drug testing.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under the law.

Disclosures Smoking/vaping and the use of tobacco products are prohibited on all Company premises, including indoor and outdoor areas, parking lots, and Company-owned vehicles. As part of our employment process, candidates who receive a conditional offer may be required to undergo pre-employment drug testing.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under the law.

Jackson Healthcare is a family of highly specialized healthcare staffing, search, and technology companies. Our mission is to improve the delivery of patient care and the lives of everyone we touch. This includes the patients, clinicians and healthcare executives we work with through our companies every day, as well as our communities, the nonprofit organizations we support and each associate who is part of our family.