Payroll Specialist

Job Title: Payroll Specialist
Location:Mobile, AL
Employment Type:Full-Time
Department:Payroll / Finance
Reports To:Accounting Manager

Position Summary
The Payroll Specialist is responsible for accurately processing weekly payroll for a high-volume, multi-state, multi-client staffing agency. This role ensures that all temporary employees and contractors are paid correctly and on time while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, deadline-driven, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with frequent payroll cycles.

Key Responsibilities
Payroll Processing

• Process weekly, biweekly, or client-specific payroll cycles for temporary employees and contractors.

• Review, validate, and enter timesheets submitted via timekeeping systems, online portals, or client timecards.

• Reconcile discrepancies in hours worked, pay rates, job assignments, and billing rates.

• Calculate overtime, shift differentials, holiday pay, per diem, bonuses, and other special pay types.

Compliance & Record-keeping

• Ensure payroll complies with federal, state, and local wage laws, including FLSA and state regulations.

• Maintain accurate and organized payroll records and employee files.

• Verify employment eligibility and onboarding documents (I-9, W-4, direct deposit forms, etc.).

• Process wage garnishments, child support orders, tax levies, and other involuntary deductions.

• Assist with certified payroll reporting and compliance with prevailing wage requirements (if applicable).

Client & Employee Support

• Respond to payroll-related inquiries from temporary employees, contractors, and clients.

• Work closely with recruiters, account managers, and HR to resolve payroll issues promptly.

• Provide clients with timekeeping guidance and support for their assigned temporary workforce.

Financial & Administrative Tasks

• Assist with invoice preparation by ensuring hours and billing rates align with client contracts.

• Support month-end and year-end payroll reporting, including W-2 and 1099 forms.

• Reconcile payroll data with accounting systems as needed.

• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes and enhance accuracy and efficiency.

Qualifications
Required

• 2+ years of payroll experience; staffing/payroll processing experience strongly preferred.

• Knowledge of multi-state payroll regulations and wage laws.

• Accuracy in high-volume data entry and payroll auditing.

• Proficiency with payroll and timekeeping systems (e.g., ADP, Paychex, Bullhorn, Avionté, Kronos, WorkN, etc.).

• Strong Excel and math skills.

• Excellent communication and customer service abilities.

Preferred

• Experience working in a staffing agency environment.

• Experience with ADP payroll systems (advanced-level use is a plus).

• Certified payroll experience, including handling prevailing wage requirements.

• CPP or FPC certification (or willingness to obtain).

• Familiarity with VMS/MSP platforms (Fieldglass, Beeline, etc.).

Key Competencies

• High attention to detail

• Confidentiality and integrity

• Strong time management and ability to meet tight deadlines

• Problem-solving and troubleshooting

• Team collaboration and cross-department communication

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced, high-volume office environment.

• May require extended hours during peak payroll periods.