Payroll Specialist

PharPoint ResearchDurham, North CarolinaOn-siteFull-timeMid level, 2–5 yearsListed 2 weeks ago

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About this role

Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:

Payroll Specialist

Department:

Finance

Version Date:

02 September 2026

Non-Exempt

BASIC SUMMARY:

Perform the execution of financial functions involving invoicing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, purchasing, payroll, and general bookkeeping.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Process payroll for all employees on a timely basis, ensuring accuracy in wages, bonuses, overtime, and deductions.
- Maintain and update employee payroll records, including personal information, tax exemptions, and wage changes.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations.
- Prepare and distribute paychecks or direct deposit statements to employees.
- Assist employees with payroll-related inquiries and resolve issues or discrepancies in a professional manner.
- Calculate and file payroll taxes, ensuring timely submission to appropriate government agencies.
- Manage benefits deductions and ensure proper recording in payroll systems.
- Prepare reports on payroll expenses, tax filings, and employee compensation for management and auditors.
- Perform monthly payroll reconciliation.
- Stay updated on changes to payroll tax laws, benefits regulations, and best practices.
- Collaborate with HR and finance teams to ensure seamless payroll integration with timekeeping systems and employee records
- Perform other double-entry accounting activities as necessary.
- Contribute to building strong internal and external client relationships through positive interactions.
- Perform all other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

- Education:
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required, with a degree in accounting, finance, or business preferred.

- Experience:
- A minimum of 2 years of experience in payroll processing or a similar role is required.
- Proficiency with payroll software (e.g., ADP, Paychex, Paylocity) and knowledge of tax laws and payroll regulations is essential.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

- Certification/Licensure: Certification in payroll (e.g., Certified Payroll Professional – CPP) is highly desirable.
- Other: Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to understand both written and verbal communication, type/work at a computer, and sit for up to 90% of the workday.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

- General office working conditions, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Comments:

- Must have a valid driver’s license with no limitations on driving availability.

SIGNATURE:

I have reviewed this job description and understand the duties, responsibilities and requirements of this position.

SIGNATURE

DATE

Employee:

All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their position. • The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.