Payroll Specialist

Job Description

This is a contract Payroll Specialist role created to add support to the payroll team. The position is a hands‑on, high‑volume payroll processing role—not HRIS—and requires a detail‑oriented, experienced payroll professional. You will be on a payroll team of five, working closely with the Payroll Lead, who will train you on the organization's primary, heavy union payroll.

We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.

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• Process primarily 1 main union payroll, with a total of 9 different payrolls (weekly and bi‑weekly) for a workforce of 3,000–4,000 employees.
• Own and execute high‑volume, multi‑state union payroll, company supports 50+ Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).
• Review and validate timecards (approved every Monday) to ensure accurate Friday payroll processing.
• Ensure full compliance with union requirements, wage determinations, prevailing wage structures, and state‑by‑state regulations.
• Work closely with the Director of Payroll and Payroll Lead to absorb and process assigned payrolls.
• Maintain a high degree of accuracy while managing many moving parts across states and CBAs.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with HR, operations, and project leadership to resolve discrepancies.
• Support payroll audits as required.
• Assist with payroll process improvement initiatives.
• Protect sensitive payroll data and maintain confidentiality.

• At least 3 years of strong, hands‑on payroll processing experience.
• Experience using UKG – 3 years (required).
• Proven experience processing high‑volume payrolls with complex structures.
• Understanding of multi‑state and union payroll; experience with CBAs preferred.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong initiative and willingness to learn complex payroll structures.
• Already processed payroll independently.
• Experience in government contracting environments.
• Experience with union payroll (highly preferred).
• Experience with Costpoint (nice to have, not required—payroll is not processed in Costpoint).
• CPP certification is a major plus; candidates with interest in pursuing CPP are strongly preferred.