Payroll Specialist

Onward Search is a specialized staffing and talent solutions company that helps professionals find top jobs with the nation’s leading brands. We’re looking for a Payroll Specialist for an onsite opportunity in New York, NY. This is a contract role expected to run through the end of the year, working Monday through Friday during regular business hours.

In this role, you’ll oversee biweekly multi-state payroll processing for over 1,800 exempt and non-exempt employees using Workday. The ideal candidate is a critical thinker with a strong focus on accuracy, compliance, and timeliness—someone who can work independently and serve as a back-up to the Head of US Payroll. This position offers a pay rate of $32–$35/hr, is paid weekly, and is benefits eligible.

There is no application deadline for this role.

Payroll Specialist Responsibilities:

• Manage daily payroll processing tasks, including retroactive transactions, one-time payments, EIB mass transaction uploads, payroll inputs, and on/offboarding.
• Ensure accuracy, integrity, and confidentiality of payroll data.
• Generate periodic and ad-hoc payroll reports.
• Adhere to Payroll Standard Operating Procedures and support their creation and maintenance.
• Assist in testing and implementation of new payroll technologies and procedures.
• Monitor Workday Payroll module performance and recommend enhancements.
• Provide timely, customer-focused responses to employee payroll inquiries.
• Identify payroll issues and escalate concerns to the Head of US Payroll as needed.
• Serve as support and back-up for the Head of US Payroll.

Payroll Specialist Qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in US payroll operations, including multi-state payroll.
• 6+ months of hands-on experience or formal training in Workday Payroll.
• Strong knowledge of compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
• High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to manage sensitive information with discretion.
• Excellent client service and communication skills with an employee-focused mindset.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and adapt to changing business needs.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Technical proficiency with payroll systems and related tools.

Perks & Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Life Insurance.
• 401(k) Program.
• Commuter Benefit.
• eLearning & Ongoing Training.
• Education Reimbursement.

*Eligibility requires working over 30 hours per week on an assignment lasting at least 10 weeks.

If you meet the qualifications and are excited about this opportunity, apply today! Our team will connect with you to discuss next steps, support you through the interview process, and advocate for your success.

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About Onward Search

Onward Search is a nationwide staffing agency and talent solutions provider specializing in creative, marketing, and technology professionals. We work with our nationwide clients to continuously pipeline and fill specialized roles. As such, not all jobs contain an application deadline.

Equal Opportunity Employment

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected category. Candidates must be at least 18 years old to be considered for employment.

EOE/M/F/D/V/SO

Inclusive Hiring Practices

We’re committed to making every part of our hiring process accessible and inclusive. If you need any accommodations or adjustments to support you during the application or interview process, please contact us at inclusivehiring@onwardsearch.com.

Employment Eligibility

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. We are unable to support 1099 / Corp-to-Corp / Independent Contractor arrangements. All freelancers will be hired as W2 employees.

Benefits

We offer medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a 401(k) retirement plan to all eligible full-time temporary employees. Onward Search is a drug-free workplace.

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Virtual Interview Process

To help streamline the hiring process and ensure a more flexible and accessible experience for all candidates, we’ve partnered with Apriora, a virtual interviewing platform. For select job openings, you may receive an invitation to interview with Alex, our virtual interviewer, via email at alex@onwardsearch.com.

Alex will guide you through a brief set of questions to help us better understand your background and interests. The virtual interview can be completed on your own time, and your responses will be reviewed by our recruiting team as part of the screening process.

To learn more about the platform, visit Apriora’s website.

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Job Seeker Scam Alert

We’ve become aware of fraudulent recruiters impersonating Onward Search representatives to collect personal or financial information from potential job seekers. Please be vigilant and always protect your information. Learn more about potential threats and how to protect yourself by visiting our job seeker scam alert page.