Strategic Payroll & Leave Specialist

Sterling Search Partners; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Search Partners is assisting a Birmingham client in recruiting a Payroll and Leave Administration Specialist to manage payroll for 500+ employees across multiple departments. The role emphasizes accurate, timely payroll processing and comprehensive leave administration (FMLA, ADA, PTO) with strong collaboration across HR, finance, and management teams.

The ideal candidate will bring at least five years of payroll experience, proficiency with ADP, UKG, Paycom or Workday, and a track

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of progressive payroll experience; experience managing payroll for 500+ employees preferred.
• Strong knowledge of FMLA, ADA, and state leave laws.
• Proficiency with payroll/HRIS systems (e.g., ADP, UKG, Paycom, Workday).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• High level of integrity and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for 500+ employees (hourly, salaried, and variable pay groups).
• Ensure accurate calculation of wages, bonuses, deductions, and benefits contributions.
• Reconcile payroll accounts and prepare reports for accounting and auditing purposes.
• Maintain payroll records and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax laws.
• Manage payroll interfaces with HRIS, timekeeping, and accounting systems.
• Serve as primary liaison with payroll vendor or internal payroll system (e.g., ADP, UKG, Paycom, Workday).
• Audit timecards, pay adjustments, and payroll data to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field

Tools

ADP

UKG

Paycom

Workday

Job description

Sterling Search Partners is assisting a Birmingham client in recruiting a Payroll and Leave Administration Specialist to manage payroll for 500+ employees across multiple departments. The role emphasizes accurate, timely payroll processing and comprehensive leave administration (FMLA, ADA, PTO) with strong collaboration across HR, finance, and management teams.

The ideal candidate will bring at least five years of payroll experience, proficiency with ADP, UKG, Paycom or Workday, and a track