Payroll Specialist/ AP

Payroll Specialist and AP Location: North Houston, in office 77039Reports To: Accounting ManagerDuration: 1 month but could be extended or possibly go perm Pay: $30 - $36 per hourPosition SummaryThe Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for new, active, and terminated employees. This role supports the Finance team by ensuring compliance with company policies, wage and hour regulations, and internal controls. The Payroll Specialist plays a critical role in maintaining payroll integrity while supporting a culture rooted in safety, operational excellence, and customer service.Key ResponsibilitiesProcess full-cycle payroll, including data collection, calculation, and system entryReview and validate new employee payroll setup, including wages, PTO, sick leave, tax withholdings, and other pay-related configurationsAudit and verify timekeeping records, work orders, and manually entered time dataEnsure accurate pay classifications for employees with multiple roles or ratesReview payroll reports for accuracy, reconcile discrepancies, and escalate issues as neededAudit PTO, sick leave, and leave of absence records; partner with Human Resources to resolve discrepanciesProcess pay rate changes, bonuses, and retroactive pay adjustmentsValidate payroll prior to processing, including hours worked, approvals, and historical comparisonsFinalize payroll processing, generate reports, and communicate funding requirementsResearch and resolve payroll errors and process corrections as neededProcess terminations, including final pay calculations and compliance with applicable lawsPrepare and manage manual payroll checks and related approvalsSupport accounts payable processes related to payroll adjustmentsManage petty cash tracking, approvals, and reconciliationMaintain accurate records of payroll disputes and resolutionsEnsure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour regulationsReturn incomplete or noncompliant documentation to managers for correctionAssist in developing and improving payroll processes, procedures, and documentationParticipate in cross-training and support special projects as assignedAP processing and light accounting. QualificationsEducation & Experience:High School Diploma or equivalent requiredMinimum of 3 years of payroll processing experience. light accounting and AP experience preferred.Technical Skills:Experience with payroll systems such as ADP Workforce Now and/or ADP Workforce Manager, must understand pay codes in ADP. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced functions (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUP, formulas)Working knowledge of Microsoft Office SuiteKnowledge & Abilities:Strong understanding of payroll processes and wage and hour lawsExcellent attention to detail and accuracyStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlinesEffective communication and interpersonal skillsAbility to handle confidential information with discretion