About the Payroll Specialist Role at Robert Half

Join Robert Half's esteemed team as a Payroll Specialist in the vibrant city of Cary, North Carolina. This long-term contract position offers a unique opportunity to dive deep into payroll operations for a dynamic organization managing a workforce of over 500 employees. Initially hands-on, the role will evolve into strategic oversight of outsourced payroll services, allowing you to showcase your expertise in full-cycle payroll processing, compliance, and process optimization. If you're passionate about accuracy, regulatory adherence, and streamlining operations using tools like ADP Workforce Now, this Payroll Specialist job in Cary, NC is your chance to make a lasting impact.

Robert Half, a leader in financial and administrative staffing, seeks top-tier talent to ensure seamless payroll execution across multiple states. This position is perfect for seasoned professionals ready to collaborate with internal HR teams, benefits administrators, and third-party providers while driving efficiency in a high-volume environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute full-cycle payroll processing for 500+ employees spanning multiple states, prioritizing pinpoint accuracy and strict compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Partner closely with third-party payroll vendors to optimize workflows, troubleshoot issues, and maintain operational excellence.
• Develop comprehensive documentation of payroll procedures, proactively identifying and implementing system improvements for enhanced efficiency.
• Handle employee payroll inquiries swiftly, resolve discrepancies, and ensure timely issue resolution to uphold employee satisfaction.
• Generate and distribute detailed payroll reports for internal leadership and external stakeholders, providing actionable insights.
• Collaborate seamlessly with HR and benefits teams to align payroll with broader employee lifecycle processes.
• Lead the transition to outsourced payroll services by preparing documentation, training stakeholders, and ensuring a smooth handover.
• Maintain meticulous payroll records in ADP Workforce Now, performing regular audits and updates.
• Monitor evolving payroll laws and regulations, advising on compliance strategies to mitigate risks.

Required Qualifications for Success

To thrive as our Payroll Specialist, you bring proven experience in high-volume, multi-state payroll environments. Key qualifications include:

• 3+ years of hands-on full-cycle payroll processing, ideally with 500+ employee headcounts.
• Advanced proficiency in ADP Workforce Now or similar payroll software.
• In-depth knowledge of federal (FLSA, FICA), state, and local payroll tax regulations.
• Demonstrated success collaborating with third-party payroll providers like ADP or Paychex.
• Exceptional documentation skills with a track record of process improvement initiatives.
• Strong analytical abilities to resolve complex payroll discrepancies and inquiries.
• Experience supporting payroll outsourcing transitions, including data migration and stakeholder training.
• Excellent communication skills for cross-functional partnering with HR, finance, and vendors.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field preferred; relevant certifications (e.g., CPP, FPC) highly valued.

Candidates must be detail-oriented, adaptable to changing regulations, and thrive in fast-paced settings. Knowledge of Cary, NC-specific employment laws is a plus.

Why Join Robert Half in Cary, NC?

Robert Half offers more than a job—it's a career launchpad in one of America's most desirable cities. Cary, North Carolina, boasts a thriving tech hub, excellent quality of life, and proximity to Research Triangle Park. Enjoy a competitive $31.66 hourly rate (equating to approximately $65,000 annually), long-term contract stability, and professional growth opportunities.

Benefits of this role include exposure to cutting-edge payroll technologies, mentorship from industry experts, and the satisfaction of supporting a large-scale workforce. As part of Robert Half's network, you'll access exclusive training, networking events, and potential permanent placement pathways. Join a company ranked #1 in staffing by Staffing Industry Analysts, where your contributions directly enhance operational excellence.

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