Payroll Specialist - UKG Implementation Support

Overview

An experienced Payroll Specialist is needed to provide hands-on support during a transition from ADP to UKG. Reporting to the Payroll lead and working with the implementation team, this role assists with payroll data preparation, testing, reconciliation, documentation, and initial payroll processing.

This project includes a move from semi-monthly to biweekly payroll and a new Saturday–Friday workweek. The Payroll lead and implementation partner retain responsibility for configuration decisions, test strategy, payroll controls, and final go-live approval.

Responsibilities

Payroll Data and Testing

• Prepare and review employee and payroll data using established templates and mapping instructions; identify missing or inconsistent information.
• Compare ADP and UKG payroll reports to validate earnings, deductions, taxes, commissions, and employee balances; document and escalate discrepancies.
• Execute assigned payroll test scripts and parallel payroll comparisons; maintain clear records of results and unresolved items.
• Review timekeeping inputs and payroll calculations against approved requirements, including payroll calendar and workweek changes.

Documentation and Project Support

• Maintain testing logs, issue trackers, and supporting records using established project procedures.
• Document approved payroll procedures and workflows; update job aids based on Payroll team guidance.
• Participate in scheduled project meetings and provide timely updates on assigned tasks, outstanding questions, and deadline risks.

Go Live and Payroll Support

• Assist with payroll data review and reconciliation during cutover and initial UKG payroll cycles.
• Research routine payroll discrepancies and route system configuration or integration issues to the Payroll lead or implementation partner.
• Support the Payroll team with documentation and knowledge sharing as approved processes move into regular use.

Requirements (Minimum Qualifications)

• 3+ years of hands-on payroll experience, including payroll data review and reconciliation.
• Working knowledge of earnings, deductions, payroll taxes, overtime, commissions, benefits deductions, and timekeeping inputs.
• Experience using a payroll or HRIS platform and comparing payroll reports to identify and investigate discrepancies.
• Intermediate Excel proficiency, including sorting, filtering, formulas, lookups, and pivot tables for payroll reconciliation.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and follow-through; ability to handle confidential employee information appropriately.
• Ability to complete defined tasks independently, follow established procedures, communicate findings clearly, and escalate questions promptly.
• Availability for agreed part-time work hours and scheduled meetings within the Eastern Time business day.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with UKG Payroll; UKG timekeeping experience is also helpful.
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now.
• Participation in a payroll system implementation, conversion, testing, or parallel payroll project.
• Experience supporting multi-state or multi-location payroll.
• Experience documenting payroll procedures or supporting changes to payroll calendars or pay frequency.

Compensation & Benefits

• $40–$43 per hour.

Location

• Remote

Assignment and Schedule

• Duration: Anticipated 6–11 months.
• Employment type: Temporary assignment (any opportunity for ongoing employment will be discussed separately).
• Schedule: Part-time, with weekly hours and recurring work blocks agreed before the assignment begins.
• Meetings and collaboration: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
• Any additional hours needed for testing, cutover, or payroll deadlines will be discussed and agreed in advance.