Payroll Specialist

Role Overview This role is responsible for processing high-volume, biweekly payroll for employees across the United States and Canada. The position supports all aspects of payroll operations, including maintaining employee time and attendance records, processing adjustments, and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations. The Payroll Specialist ensures payroll is processed accurately, on time, and in compliance with federal, state/provincial, and local requirements. This role also supports payroll system administration and collaborates with internal stakeholders and external vendors to maintain efficient payroll operations. Key Responsibilities Process biweekly payroll for a large, multi-state and cross-border workforce Review, validate, and maintain employee time and attendance data Prepare and submit payroll files to an external payroll provider Handle payroll adjustments, including off-cycle payments and corrections Administer garnishments, child support, and tax levies in accordance with regulations Reconcile payroll outputs and perform audits to ensure accuracy and compliance Maintain and update standard operating procedures for payroll processes Support payroll system updates, including configuration, testing, and validation of changes (e.g., earnings codes) Generate custom and ad hoc payroll reports as needed Partner with HR, finance, and other stakeholders to ensure high-quality payroll service delivery Participate in process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and accuracy Provide backup support for payroll leadership when required Assist with special projects and system implementations Qualifications & Skills Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Human Resources, or a related field (preferred) Professional payroll certification or progress toward certification is a plus Minimum of 3 years of payroll experience in a high-volume environment Strong understanding of U.S. and/or Canadian payroll regulations, including tax laws and compliance requirements Knowledge of federal, state/provincial, and local employment legislation Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications (Excel, Outlook, etc.) Experience working with payroll systems and external payroll providers Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities Excellent written and verbal communication skills High level of discretion and ability to handle confidential information Ability to work collaboratively and build effective working relationships Experience supporting payroll system implementations or upgrades is an asset Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan.

Additional disclaimer:

Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.