Job Title: Payroll Associate – HR OperationsLocation:
New York, NY (Hybrid – Tuesday through Thursday onsite)
Rate: 30-33/hr on W2
Employment Type: Contract
Work Authorization: Only U.S. Citizens and Green Card Holders (Permanent Residents) are eligible for this position.
Position Overview
We are seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Associate – HR Operations to support end-to-end payroll processing within an in-house SAP Employee Central Payroll (ECP) environment. This role is responsible for executing payroll operations, ensuring payroll accuracy and compliance, partnering with internal HR teams, and coordinating with outsourced payroll support providers. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, payroll processing experience, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Key ResponsibilitiesPayroll Processing
- Execute and support bi-weekly payroll processing using SAP Employee Central Payroll (ECP).
- Review and validate payroll transactions, including new hires, terminations, compensation changes, and payroll adjustments.
- Perform payroll audits, reconciliations, and resolve payroll discrepancies.
- Ensure payroll is processed accurately and within established deadlines.
Vendor & Offshore Coordination
- Coordinate day-to-day activities with offshore payroll support teams.
- Review payroll work for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with service standards.
- Support garnishment administration and collaborate with third-party payroll vendors.
- Monitor vendor performance and ensure timely delivery of payroll services.
Employee Support & Case Management
- Respond to payroll-related inquiries through case management systems.
- Partner with HR, Employee Relations, and internal business teams to resolve payroll issues.
- Provide timely, accurate, and professional support to employees and stakeholders.
Testing & Process Improvement
- Participate in payroll system testing for upgrades, enhancements, and process changes.
- Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes and operational efficiency.
- Support payroll automation initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
Controls & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls.
- Maintain accurate payroll documentation and support audit requirements.
- Collaborate with Payroll Tax and other cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 1–3 years of experience in payroll, HR operations, or a related field.
- Experience working with payroll systems; SAP Employee Central Payroll (ECP) is preferred.
- Strong attention to detail with excellent organizational and analytical skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong problem-solving abilities and sound decision-making skills.
Preferred Skills
- Experience working with outsourced payroll providers or shared service teams.
- Familiarity with payroll audits, reconciliations, and compliance processes.
- Experience supporting payroll system testing and implementation activities.
- Knowledge of payroll tax and garnishment processes is a plus.
Core Competencies
- Payroll Processing
- SAP Employee Central Payroll (ECP)
- HR Operations
- Payroll Auditing & Reconciliation
- Vendor Management
- Case Management
- Process Improvement
- Compliance & Internal Controls
- Analytical Thinking
- Communication & Collaboration
- Time Management
- Problem Solving
