Payroll Specialist

Our client, a growing commercial-stage pharmaceutical company, is seeking an experienced Payroll Contractor to support day-to-day payroll operations. This individual will play a key role in ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing and should bring hands-on Workday payroll experience, along with experience managing more complex payroll activities including equity transactions, commissions, and wage garnishments.

This is a contract opportunity requiring an onsite presence 2–3 days per week.

Responsibilities:

• Support accurate and timely payroll processing using Workday
• Process and administer equity-related payroll transactions
• Process commission and other variable compensation payments, including payments for commercial employees
• Manage wage garnishments, including setup, processing, reconciliation, and ongoing maintenance
• Work with OSV in support of payroll processing and related activities
• Review payroll data for accuracy, identify discrepancies, and resolve issues prior to payroll completion
• Research and respond to employee payroll questions and resolve payroll-related issues
• Partner with HR, Finance, and other internal stakeholders to ensure accurate payroll information and timely processing
• Assist with payroll reconciliations, reporting, audits, and other payroll-related activities as needed
• Maintain appropriate payroll documentation and support internal controls and compliance requirements
• Ensure payroll activities are completed in accordance with company policies and applicable federal, state, and local regulations

Qualifications:

• Hands-on Workday payroll experience required
• 3–5 years of Workday experience strongly preferred
• Candidates with a minimum of 1 year of hands-on Workday payroll experience may be considered
• Experience working with OSV
• Experience processing equity-related payroll transactions
• Hands-on experience managing wage garnishments
• Experience processing commission and variable compensation payments
• Pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or other life sciences industry experience is a plus
• Strong understanding of payroll processes, controls, and best practices
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to work accurately with sensitive and confidential information
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical payroll deadlines
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively across HR, Finance, and other functions