Payroll Specialist at Randstad USA

Payroll SpecialistPay Rate: 25-35 per hour6 month contractOnsite Baltimore - 21218Under moderate supervision, the Payroll Specialist is responsible for processing payroll information, reviewing and performing payroll audits and serving as a resource for questions surrounding pay policies and procedures.The Payroll Specialist will manage the full-cycle, bi-weekly payroll for approximately 600 employees. This role is a critical function, responsible for ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of all employee compensation and associated financial reporting. The ideal candidate will be a Kronos and SAP power-user, possessing strong investigative and analytical skills.Principal Responsibilities and TasksThe following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.• Processes regular payroll information on a bi weekly bases, entering in bonus payments, tax withholding changes, stop payments and off cycle check as requested while adhering to Payroll Policy and Practices.• Serve as the final point of audit and approval for all employee timecards (Kronos), ensuring 100% completion, compliance, and zero missing punches• Responds to and resolves inquiries regarding pay and leave questions.• Explains payroll calculations and deductions to employees, investigates problems and makes appropriate corrections.• Assist in the explanation of leave accruals based on HR Policies and work with payroll team members to investigate questions surrounding retro leave accruals.• Accurately process Paid Time Off (PTO) submissions and other employee communications/directives by inputting necessary information into the timekeeping system.• Payroll Submittal: Be responsible for the timely and accurate submission of payroll ensuring all data is appropriately transmitted to the Kronos system the deadline.• Historical Edits & Off-Cycle Payments: Investigate and correct historical time and attendance issues (e.g., missed work days, punch errors) by performing historical edits in the system and processing accurate off-cycle paychecks as required.• Error Troubleshooting: Proactively identify, investigate, and resolve complex payroll errors, including those related to system failures, shift differentials (e.g., night shift), and other technical or procedural anomalies. This involves analyzing historical data to determine the necessary corrective entry.• Develop, generate, and maintain various reports focused on Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) and employee hours reporting, primarily utilizing data from the SAP system.• Analyze and digest reporting data to identify discrepancies, trends, and issues, specifically focusing on instances where hours are not being coded correctly.• Use analytical findings to recommend and implement corrective processes and entries to ensure accurate cost center and labor-related coding.• Month-End Support: Provide support for the month-end close process, including preparing payroll-related slides and summaries for inclusion in the financial package.III. Education and Experience• Associate’s Degree required, Bachelor’s Degree preferred• Two to three years of payroll processing experience for a large organization. A degree or a payroll certification from the American Payroll Association may substitute for 1 year of experience.IV. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities• Direct experience with Kronos and experience pulling reports/details from SAP (as the core payroll processing system). Experience with Kronos 2.0 implementation or migration is a plus.• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office products is required for reporting, data analysis, and documentation.• Proven experience in a payroll administration role with responsibility for a large employee base (e.g., 500+ employees).• Exceptional attention to detail, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality.• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of payroll and payroll tax laws (compliance/regulations).• Complete, perform and understand basic mathematical calculations.• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.• Proficient problem solving skills needed to handle and resolve challenging payroll related discrepancies.• Displays strong verbal and written communication. Ability to work, in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.