Payroll Specialist

PAYROLL SPECIALIST

Contract type Freelance Location Amityville, New York Specialty Fashion Salary $35-$45 per hour Remote Yes Reference 510263 Contact name Michelle Choi Job description Payroll Specialist We are seeking a highly detail-oriented Payroll Specialist on a freelance basis to support accurate, compliant, and timely payroll operations across a multi-state workforce. This role is ideal for a payroll professional who thrives in fast-paced environments, understands the nuances of payroll tax registrations, and can confidently manage sensitive employee data with precision and discretion. The Payroll Specialist will oversee full-cycle payroll processing, maintain payroll records, support compliance reporting, and help ensure adherence to federal, state, and local regulations. The ideal candidate brings strong experience with multi-state payroll, payroll systems, tax filings, reconciliations, and process improvement. Key Responsibilities Process full-cycle, multi-state payroll on a bi-weekly basis for hourly and salaried employees, including exempt and non-exempt populations. Review, validate, and reconcile timekeeping and payroll data before each payroll run. Administer payroll updates such as new hires, terminations, compensation changes, bonuses, commissions, and deductions. Handle off-cycle payrolls for corrections, final payments, and special disbursements as needed. Audit payroll records for discrepancies and resolve issues quickly and accurately. Establish and manage payroll tax registrations in new states and jurisdictions as workforce needs expand. Coordinate with state and local agencies to obtain required employer tax account numbers and unemployment accounts. Maintain accurate documentation for all payroll tax registrations and jurisdictional requirements. Monitor employee work locations to identify potential tax and registration obligations. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and employment regulations. Support preparation and accuracy of quarterly and annual payroll tax filings, including forms such as 941, 940, W-2, and related state filings. Manage year-end payroll activities, tax reconciliations, and employee tax document distribution. Prepare payroll reports, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for audits and internal review. Maintain and improve payroll procedures, workflows, and standard operating documentation. Partner cross-functionally with HR, finance, and operations stakeholders to ensure payroll data accuracy across systems. Qualifications 5+ years of payroll processing experience, ideally within a multi-state environment. Demonstrated experience setting up and maintaining payroll tax registrations across multiple jurisdictions. Strong understanding of payroll tax laws, wage and hour requirements, and related compliance standards. Hands-on experience with payroll platforms such as ADP, Gusto, Rippling, Paylocity, or similar systems. Advanced spreadsheet skills, including Excel or Google Sheets, for reconciliations and reporting. Excellent attention to detail and ability to handle confidential information with discretion. Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple deadlines. Comfort working independently in a freelance capacity while collaborating effectively with internal teams. Experience in high-growth, dynamic, or startup-style environments is a plus. Employment Type Freelance Michelle Choi View Michelle Choi's Jobs Benefits offered See Benefits