Payroll Specialist

Description We are looking for a Payroll Specialist to join a government organization in Columbia, South Carolina in a contract-to-permanent capacity. This position focuses on accurate biweekly payroll processing while working closely with benefits and finance partners to ensure employees are paid correctly and on time. The ideal candidate brings strong attention to detail, sound knowledge of deductions and tax withholding, and experience managing payroll activities in a structured, compliance-driven environment.

Responsibilities:

• Administer end-to-end biweekly payroll processing, reviewing payable hours and earnings data to ensure timely and accurate employee compensation.
• Partner closely with benefits personnel to enter and validate deductions related to benefit plans, retirement contributions, and other employee elections.
• Calculate and apply tax withholdings, voluntary deductions, levies, and garnishments in accordance with established regulations and payroll policies.
• Process direct deposits, issue manual checks, and coordinate wire transfers when special payment situations arise.
• Manage retroactive pay adjustments and resolve payroll discrepancies through careful review of supporting records and system data.
• Prepare quarterly payroll-related reports and maintain accurate documentation for internal review and compliance purposes.
• Reconcile payroll balances and audit payroll transactions within the UKG platform to support accuracy and financial control.
• Collaborate with the Finance Director and other internal stakeholders to address payroll questions, reporting needs, and exception handling. Requirements
• Experience processing full-cycle payroll in a high-volume environment, preferably supporting a workforce of several hundred employees.
• Knowledge of multi-state payroll practices, including tax withholding, deductions, and compliance considerations.
• Hands-on ability to manage payroll payments through direct deposit, manual check issuance, and wire transfer processing.
• Familiarity with benefits-related payroll activity, including 401(k) contributions and other employee deduction setups.
• Experience preparing quarterly payroll reports and supporting reconciliations with a high degree of accuracy.
• Working knowledge of UKG Ready or UKG Pro is preferred; experience with ADP Workforce Now is also valuable.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to investigate discrepancies, apply retroactive adjustments, and maintain accurate payroll records.

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. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app) and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more. 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 roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information. © 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking "," you're agreeing to Robert Half's Terms of Use (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/terms) and Privacy Notice (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/privacy) .