Payroll Specialist

Description We are looking for an experienced Payroll Specialist to support a higher education organization in Largo, Maryland. This Long-term Contract opportunity is ideal for someone who can manage high-volume payroll operations with accuracy, consistency, and strong attention to deadlines. The role focuses on end-to-end payroll administration for a large employee population while helping maintain compliance across multiple states and payroll systems.

Responsibilities:

- Process full-cycle payroll for a large workforce of approximately 2,500 employees, ensuring timely and accurate pay distribution.

- Administer payroll activities across multiple states while applying current wage, tax, and compliance requirements.

- Use ADP Workforce Now and Kronos to review timekeeping data, payroll records, and related employee information.

- Audit payroll entries, deductions, tax with holdings, and earnings to identify and resolve discrepancies before final processing.

- Partner with human resources, finance, and internal stakeholders to address payroll questions and support employee record updates.

- Maintain payroll documentation and reports to support accuracy, compliance, and internal review needs.

- Research and correct payroll issues involving timecards, adjustments, garnishments, or benefit deductions.

- Assist with payroll-related process updates and system-related activities as needed within the department. Requirements - Proven experience handling full-cycle payroll from input through final reconciliation.

- Background processing payroll for organizations with more than 500 employees, preferably in a high-volume environment.

- Working knowledge of multi-state payroll regulations and payroll tax practices.

- Hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now for payroll processing and reporting.

- Proficiency using Kronos for time and attendance review.

- Strong attention to detail with the ability to meet strict payroll deadlines.

- Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across departments.

Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.

Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app ()  and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.

All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit  for more information.

© 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking "Apply Now," you're agreeing to Robert Half's Terms of Use ()  and Privacy Notice () .