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LU
LHH US
Payroll Specialist
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Scorecard
Based on Maryland data
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What they do
A Payroll Specialist manages the financial and accounting work involved in processing payroll for a company or organization. Manages employee benefits programs and payroll deductions, or assists with evaluating compensation levels for different job categories and titles.
$53,114 / year median in Maryland
-8% projected decline
Job Description
Position Summary The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll while ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. This position manages payroll administration, reconciliations, tax compliance, employee inquiries, and certified payroll reporting requirements. The ideal candidate has experience processing multi-state payroll and preparing certified payroll reports for government, prevailing wage, or public works projects. Key Responsibilities Process weekly, biweekly, semi-monthly, or monthly payroll accurately and on schedule. Prepare and submit certified payroll reports in compliance with prevailing wage and government contract requirements. Review timesheets, labor distributions, and wage classifications for accuracy. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations. Administer payroll deductions, garnishments, benefits, and other withholdings. Reconcile payroll registers, general ledger accounts, and payroll-related reports. Research and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee payroll inquiries. Process new hires, terminations, pay rate changes, and other employee payroll updates. Support year-end payroll activities, including W-2 preparation and reconciliation. Maintain payroll records and documentation in accordance with company policies and audit requirements. Partner with HR, Accounting, and project management teams to ensure payroll accuracy and compliance. Qualifications Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. 2+ years of payroll processing experience. Experience preparing and submitting certified payroll reports. Knowledge of prevailing wage regulations (Davis-Bacon and related requirements preferred). Strong understanding of federal, state, and local payroll laws and tax regulations. Experience with payroll systems such as ADP, Workday, UKG, Paycom, or similar platforms. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) preferred. Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to maintain confidentiality. Preferred Experience Construction, engineering, government contracting, or public works industry experience. Multi-state payroll processing. Auditing payroll records and supporting compliance reviews. HRIS and payroll system implementation or process improvement initiatives. Benefits Medical, dental, and vision insurance. 401k retirement account.