Payroll Specialist

Payroll SpecialistLocation: Mobile, AL (in-office position Monday-Friday 8am-5pm)Employment Type: Full-TimeDepartment: Payroll / FinanceReports To: CFOPosition SummaryThe Payroll Specialist is responsible for accurately processing weekly payroll for a high-volume, multi-state, multi-client staffing agency while also managing full-cycle accounts payable operations. This role ensures that all temporary employees, contractors, and vendors are paid accurately and on time while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.This position plays a critical role in both payroll accuracy and financial operations, requiring a detail-oriented, deadline-driven professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in high-volume payroll processing and accounts payable, and be comfortable working within modern payroll and staffing systems.Key ResponsibilitiesPayroll ProcessingProcess weekly, biweekly, or client-specific payroll cycles for temporary employees and contractorsReview, validate, and enter timesheets submitted via timekeeping systems, online portals, or client timecardsReconcile discrepancies in hours worked, pay rates, job assignments, and billing ratesCalculate overtime, shift differentials, holiday pay, per diem, bonuses, and other special pay typesMaintain accurate payroll data within systems such as Bullhorn, ADP, or TempWorksEnsure timely and accurate payroll execution across multiple clients and statesAccounts Payable (High-Volume / Full-Cycle Focus)Manage full-cycle accounts payable, including invoice intake, coding, approvals, and payment processingProcess a high volume of vendor invoices with strong attention to detail and accuracyReconcile vendor statements and proactively resolve discrepanciesEnsure proper allocation of expenses to appropriate cost centers, jobs, and client accountsCoordinate with internal teams to validate invoices against contracts, time records, and project scopesMaintain organized, audit-ready AP records and documentationMonitor AP aging reports and ensure timely payments to vendorsSupport vendor relationship management through responsive communication and issue resolutionAssist with tracking cash flow related to payables and identifying opportunities for process improvementCompliance & Record-KeepingEnsure payroll complies with federal, state, and local wage laws, including FLSA and state-specific regulationsMaintain accurate and organized payroll and AP records and employee filesVerify employment eligibility and onboarding documents (I-9, W-4, direct deposit forms, etc.)Process wage garnishments, child support orders, tax levies, and other involuntary deductionsAssist with certified payroll reporting and compliance with prevailing wage requirements (if applicable)Ensure adherence to internal financial controls and audit standardsClient & Employee SupportRespond to payroll-related inquiries from temporary employees, contractors, vendors, and clientsWork closely with recruiters, account managers, HR, and accounting teams to resolve payroll and AP issues promptlyProvide clients with timekeeping guidance and support for their assigned temporary workforceCommunicate professionally and effectively to maintain strong internal and external relationshipsFinancial & Administrative TasksAssist with invoice preparation by ensuring hours and billing rates align with client contractsReconcile payroll and accounts payable data with accounting systemsSupport month-end and year-end processes, including W-2s, 1099s, and financial reportingAssist in audits related to payroll and accounts payableIdentify opportunities to improve payroll and AP workflows, automation, and efficiencySystems & Process ManagementUtilize payroll and staffing systems such as Bullhorn, ADP, or TempWorks for payroll processing, documentation, and recordkeepingSupport ongoing system enhancements and process improvementsHelp streamline workflows and improve system utilization across payroll and AP functionsQualificationsRequired5+ years of high volume payroll experience; staffing/payroll processing experience desiredProven experience in accounts payable (full-cycle, high-volume preferred)Knowledge of multi-state payroll regulations and wage lawsStrong accuracy in high-volume data entry, reconciliation, and auditingExperience with payroll and accounting systems (e.g., ADP, Bullhorn, TempWorks, etc.)Strong Excel and mathematical skillsExcellent communication and customer service abilitiesPreferredExperience working in a staffing agency environmentAdvanced experience with payroll systems such as ADP, Bullhorn, or TempWorksExperience with accounts payable automation tools or ERP systemsCertified payroll experience, including prevailing wage requirementsCPP or FPC certification (or willingness to obtain)Familiarity with VMS/MSP platforms (Fieldglass, Beeline, etc.)Key CompetenciesHigh attention to detailConfidentiality and integrityStrong time management and ability to meet tight deadlinesProblem-solving and analytical thinkingAbility to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environmentTeam collaboration and cross-department communicationWorking Conditions Fast-paced, high-volume office environment.. May require extended hours during peak payroll and month-end periods