Payroll Assistant

Overview

A client is seeking a Payroll Assistant for a 2.5-month contract position based in Portland, OR, with options for onsite or remote work.

Responsibilities

• Process payroll transactions including regular payroll, terminations, retroactive pay, bonuses, severance, and one-time payments.
• Maintain and update employee payroll records.
• Archive payroll documentation to support audits and compliance.
• Respond to employee payroll inquiries via email and phone.
• Run payroll reports, identify discrepancies, and assist with payroll audits.
• Support system updates, testing, and timekeeping processes.
• Enter and review payroll data daily.
• Perform payroll calculations and validations.
• Collaborate with the payroll supervisor and analyst through daily check-ins and peer reviews.

Team Environment

• Join a small payroll team supporting over 3,000 employees.
• Report to the Payroll Supervisor and work closely with a Payroll Analyst.
• Utilize systems including ADP COS (EV6), Workday, and Workforce Software (MyTime).

Priorities and Challenges

• Quickly learn payroll processes and systems.
• Accurately process payroll and employee data.
• Develop proficiency in payroll procedures and compliance requirements.
• Manage a complex payroll environment with extensive manual reviews.
• Ensure compliance with multiple union agreements.
• Maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 2 years payroll or related experience.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to learn quickly and work independently in ambiguous situations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ADP payroll systems, especially ADP COS/EV6.
• Experience processing union payrolls.
• Experience with multi-state payroll processing.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification is a plus but not required.

Knowledge and Skills

• Basic understanding of payroll practices, wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and payroll systems.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.