Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist (Contract)

Location: Cedar Rapids, IA

Job Type: Contract

About the Opportunity

Robert Half is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Specialist for a contract opportunity with a growing organization in the Cedar Rapids area. This role is ideal for a payroll professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time. The Payroll Specialist will play a key role in payroll processing, compliance, reporting, and employee support.

Key Responsibilities

• Process weekly, biweekly, or semi-monthly payroll for employees accurately and timely.
• Review and verify payroll data, including hours worked, deductions, taxes, and benefit elections.
• Maintain employee payroll records and update changes related to compensation, taxes, and direct deposit information.
• Reconcile payroll reports and assist with payroll-related general ledger entries.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries and resolve discrepancies.
• Assist with year-end payroll activities, including W-2 processing and audits.
• Support HR and accounting teams with payroll reporting and special projects.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of payroll processing experience preferred.
• Experience working with payroll systems such as ADP, Paychex, UKG, Workday, or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of payroll regulations, tax withholdings, and compliance requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Experience

• Multi-state payroll experience.
• Payroll certification (FPC or CPP) is a plus.
• Experience supporting payroll audits and reconciliations.

Why Contract?

• Gain experience with a respected local employer.
• Expand your payroll and accounting skill set.
• Competitive compensation.
• Opportunity to build valuable professional connections in the Cedar Rapids market.