Job Description

Payroll Associate

About the Role

We're looking for a detail-oriented, service-minded Payroll Associate to join our financial services client’s Payroll team. This hands-on, US-focused role supports accurate, timely delivery of semi-monthly and off-cycle payroll for approximately 1,250 employees across multiple states, using Workday Payroll alongside a PEO platform.

What You'll Do

Reporting, Reconciliation & Documentation

• Prepare payroll registers, reconciliations, and funding summaries for team review prior to submission
• Maintain variance reports and cycle audit workbooks documenting review of each semi-monthly payroll
• Compile supporting schedules for internal and external audits, including 401(k), workers' compensation, and payroll tax audits
• Build and run Workday reports supporting recurring and ad hoc analysis for Payroll, HCM, and Finance
• Maintain and update payroll procedures and process documentation as changes occur
• Support automation and system enhancement initiatives with Payroll and IT

Employee Support & Verifications

• Serve as the first point of contact for employee pay questions gross-to-net pay, deductions, taxes, time off, pay statements, and W-2s handled clearly, professionally, and confidentially
• Manage the payroll inbox, resolving routine matters directly and escalating complex or sensitive issues promptly
• Complete employment and income verifications (standard, lender, government, and agency requests) accurately and on time

Multi-State Payroll Processing

• Support end-to-end semi-monthly U.S. payroll processing for approximately 1,250 employees; assist with PEO population management as directed
• Enter and validate payroll-impacting changes new hires, terminations, transfers, compensation changes, leaves of absence, and one-time payments following standard operating procedures
• Assist with off-cycle payrolls, including sign-on payments, bonus runs, and equity/RSU releases
• Load and reconcile ad hoc payments, maintaining supporting documentation
• Audit inbound benefit and 401(k) deduction changes each pay period, escalating exceptions as needed

Tax & Compliance

• Support accurate multi-state tax withholding, garnishments, and benefit deductions in compliance with federal, state, and local requirements
• Assist with responses to tax agency notices, tracking items to resolution with the team
• Support tax adjustments and W-2c processing for prior periods as needed

What We're Looking For

• 3+ years of payroll experience
• Multi-state payroll processing experience, including tax withholding, garnishments, and benefit deductions
• Working knowledge of Workday Payroll and/or ADP, with the ability to pick up new systems quickly
• Solid Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs) for reconciliation and analysis
• Associate's degree required; Bachelor's preferred
• Ability to work in-office several days per week

At Empower Staffing, we are dedicated to connecting top talent with leading companies. Our mission is to empower businesses with the right workforce solutions while helping professionals find meaningful and rewarding career opportunities. With years of industry experience, we understand the evolving job market and work tirelessly to bridge the gap between employers and job seekers.