Payroll Specialist-Multi-State 
Our client is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to join a collaborative payroll team supporting a large, multi-state workforce. This role is responsible for processing payroll accurately and on time in a high-volume, fast-paced environment while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and company policies. The ideal candidate is organized, customer-focused, and thrives under deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy.

Location: Chesapeake, VA
Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm on-site
Pay/Compensation: $25.00/hour
Opportunity Type: contract (thru October + extensions beyond possible)

Key Responsibilities

• Process high-volume, multi-state payroll transactions, including time adjustments, bonuses, special payments, and payroll corrections while ensuring accuracy and timely completion.
• Review and audit Kronos/Compass time records, identify discrepancies, and make necessary corrections.
• Calculate and process retroactive pay adjustments.
• Prepare and process manual checks, replacement checks, paid-outs, and banking updates while maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Assist with DailyPay inquiries and other payroll-related banking matters.
• Verify employee leave balances and benefit accruals to ensure accurate payments in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries via phone and email, providing exceptional customer service while managing a high-volume inbox.
• Maintain compliance with payroll policies, internal controls, SOX requirements, and federal and state payroll regulations.
• Support payroll tax and garnishment processing as needed.
• Assist with onboarding and training new payroll team members.
• Partner with payroll leadership on special projects and process improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate effectively with internal payroll teams and cross-functional business partners.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of payroll processing experience, preferably in a high-volume, multi-state environment.
• Experience processing multi-state payroll is required.
• Strong understanding of payroll regulations and confidentiality requirements.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a customer-service mindset.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and other PC-based software applications.
• Experience with Kronos, Compass, or similar timekeeping/payroll systems is a plus.