Payroll Specialist

Description We are looking for a Payroll Specialist to join a fast-paced finance team on a Contract basis for an 8-week assignment. This role will support high-volume payroll operations and help maintain timely, accurate pay for a large employee population across multiple states. The ideal candidate brings strong payroll processing expertise, sound judgment with compliance matters, and the ability to work effectively in an onsite environment.

Responsibilities:

- Administer weekly payroll cycles and additional off-cycle payments for a large workforce that includes both salaried and hourly employees.

- Review earnings, deductions, garnishments, incentive payments, and final wages to ensure payroll is processed correctly and in accordance with applicable laws.

- Oversee multi-state payroll tax activities, including required filings, reporting, and ongoing compliance obligations.

- Reconcile payroll-related ledger accounts, investigate variances, and correct issues that affect financial or payroll accuracy.

- Work closely with HR and operational partners to confirm time records, attendance details, and employee data updates before payroll is finalized.

- Examine payroll transactions and historical records to identify processing mistakes, compliance concerns, and system-related inconsistencies.

- Maintain accurate employee payroll information in Paylocity and connected systems while protecting sensitive and confidential data.

- Support payroll continuity during contract team coverage needs and contribute to smooth day-to-day processing in an onsite setting. Requirements

- At least 3 years of payroll experience, including end-to-end processing responsibilities.

- Proven ability to manage payroll for large employee populations, preferably 500 or more employees.

- Hands-on experience with multi-state payroll administration and related tax compliance requirements.

- Strong working knowledge of Paylocity; experience with Paylocity is also valuable.

- Solid understanding of payroll regulations, wage and hour requirements, garnishments, and final pay rules.

- High level of accuracy, organization, and discretion when handling confidential payroll information.

- Ability to work onsite in San Francisco, California for the duration of the contract assignment.

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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Robert Half will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. 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.

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