Payroll Specialist

Description

We are looking for a Payroll Specialist to support payroll operations in Kenmore, Washington. This contract opportunity with potential for a long-term role is ideal for someone who can manage full-cycle payroll with accuracy, maintain compliance across multiple states, and serve as a dependable resource for employees and managers. The role follows a hybrid schedule with time split between remote work and on-site collaboration.

Responsibilities:

- Manage the complete semi-monthly payroll cycle, from gathering and validating pay data through final submission, distribution, and post-payroll reporting.

- Maintain payroll records and update employee information related to earnings, deductions, taxes, leave balances, direct deposit details, and benefit elections.

- Review timekeeping entries, new employee setup, and payroll changes to confirm accuracy, completeness, and timely approval before each payroll deadline.

- Investigate payroll discrepancies, resolve routine issues, and escalate complex compliance or system concerns when needed.

- Act as a key point of contact for staff and supervisors by answering questions related to pay, tax withholding, deductions, timecards, and payroll procedures.

- Support payroll tax compliance for employees in Washington, California, and other applicable jurisdictions, including reporting and related documentation.

- Assist with payroll audits, reconciliations, and year-end activities such as W-2 preparation and payroll record balancing.

- Partner with Finance and IT to improve payroll workflows, strengthen controls, and assist with system testing, updates, and payroll-related process enhancements.

Requirements - 5+ years of payroll experience with increasing responsibility in a high-accountability environment.

- Proven ability to run full-cycle payroll independently, including pre-payroll review, processing, reconciliation, and reporting.

- Experience handling multi-state payroll, including Washington and California payroll requirements.

- Working knowledge of payroll audits, tax reporting, reconciliations, and regulatory compliance practices.

- Hands-on experience with payroll systems such as Paycom;
Paycom expertise is strongly preferred.

- Familiarity with timekeeping platforms and benefit-related payroll administration.

- Strong attention to detail, sound judgment with confidential information, and the ability to resolve issues accurately and efficiently.

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.

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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.

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