Payroll Specialist

Payroll SpecialistLocation: Durham, NC (Hybrid – 3 days onsite per week)Employment Type: Contract (2–4 months, with potential for contract-to-hire)Start Date: ASAPPosition OverviewWe are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Payroll Specialist to join our team in Durham, NC. This individual will be responsible for managing payroll operations, supporting benefits administration, maintaining accurate employee records, and assisting with HR-related financial and administrative processes.The ideal candidate will have strong corporate payroll experience, excellent Excel skills, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.Key ResponsibilitiesPayroll AdministrationProcess and manage payroll accurately and on time for a corporate employee population.Research and resolve payroll discrepancies and respond to employee inquiries.Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.Prepare and provide regular payroll reports to the Finance department.HRIS ManagementMaintain accurate employee records within the HRIS system.Process employee updates, including new hires, terminations, salary adjustments, promotions, and reporting structure changes.Ensure data accuracy and consistency across HR and payroll systems.Benefits AdministrationSupport employee benefits administration, including payroll deductions, enrollments, and qualifying life events.Assist with annual open enrollment activities and employee benefits inquiries.Coordinate with benefits vendors to ensure accurate enrollment, invoicing, and reporting.Support 401(k) administration, including contribution reporting and audit-related activities.Invoicing & Vendor ManagementProcess and track invoices for HR-related services, HRIS platforms, and benefits vendors.Ensure timely and accurate vendor payments.Maintain accurate records of vendor expenses and related transactions.HR Budget & Administrative SupportAssist with tracking HR department expenditures and monitoring budgets.Support annual budget planning and expense forecasting.Provide general administrative support to the HR team and assist with special projects as needed.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree required.Minimum of 3 years of recent, hands-on payroll experience, preferably in a corporate environment.Experience processing payroll for an organization with at least 200–300 employees.Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.Experience with benefits administration, including payroll deductions, employee enrollments, and open enrollment support.Hands-on experience maintaining and updating employee information within an HRIS system.Experience processing vendor invoices and coordinating timely payments.Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage competing priorities.Proactive, dependable, and comfortable supporting a variety of HR functions.Strong communication and problem-solving skills.Preferred QualificationsExperience using Paylocity.Experience with 401(k) administration, contribution files, and audits.Experience tracking departmental budgets, expenditures, or financial forecasts.Additional InformationThis is a hybrid opportunity requiring onsite attendance three days per week in Durham, NC. The initial contract is expected to last 2–4 months, with potential for longer-term employment based on business needs.