Payroll Associate Overview A well-established and growing organization is seeking an experienced Payroll Associate to join its Human Resources team. This is a contract assignment, with duration of a minimum of 2-3 months. This position is FULLY remote for candidates in CST or EST. This role is responsible for supporting payroll operations and employee data administration, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing while providing exceptional service to employees and management. Key Responsibilities • Process employee transactions including new hires, changes in employment status, promotions, transfers, compensation updates, and separations. • Maintain employee payroll and HR records, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with company policies and applicable regulations. • Calculate and process compensation-related adjustments, including bonuses, commissions, deductions, garnishments, benefits, and tax-related changes. • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour regulations. • Serve as a payroll resource for employees and management by addressing questions, resolving issues, and providing guidance on payroll policies and procedures. • Collaborate with supervisors and department leaders to resolve payroll-related concerns and improve administrative processes. • Prepare final pay calculations and associated documentation for employee separations and transfers. • Process off-cycle and manual payroll payments when necessary. • Review and audit payroll and HR reports to ensure data integrity and accuracy. • Assist with payroll accounting activities, including reconciliations, journal entries, and other payroll-related financial reporting tasks. • Support ongoing payroll and HR initiatives as assigned. Qualifications • High school diploma or GED required; additional coursework in Human Resources, Business, Accounting, or a related field is a plus. • 7+ years of payroll and/or human resources experience in a fast-paced environment. • Strong knowledge of payroll administration, employment practices, and payroll-related accounting principles. • Advanced proficiency with payroll systems, databases, Microsoft Excel, and other business software applications. • Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy. • Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills. • Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion. • Customer-service mindset with the ability to build effective working relationships across all levels of the organization.