Payroll Specialist

Title: Payroll Specialist Duration: 3 months with possible extension to 6+ months Pay Range: $20 - $24/h on W2 Location: Lakeland, FL 33813, USA (REMOTE) Responsibilities: Tier 2 Case Management-Serve as the escalation point for complex payroll inquiries and case investigation beyond Tier 1 resolution-Analyze payroll data, identify root-case issues, and coordinate corrective actions across HR, Finance and IT systems-Manage end-to-end case lifecycle;intake, documentation, investigation, resolution and closure-Maintain accurate case records in the case management system, ensuring compliance with audit and regulatory requirements-Produce regular metrics and reports (e.G. Case volume, SLA compliance, root-cause trends.)-Partner with internal stakeholders to develop process improvements and preventative controls-Provide training and knowledge transfer exchanges with Tier 1 staff on recurring issues and best-practice resolutionsRequired Qualifications: Bachelors degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, or related field (or equivalent experience) Minimum 3 years in payroll processing, case management;at least 1 year handling Tier 2 or high-level payroll issues Proficiency with payroll systems (SAP ECP a plus!), Strong excel/Power Query abilities Understanding of federal/state payroll tax regulations (e.G., FICA, IRS, state withholding) Demonstrated problem-solving skills with data-driven decision making Excellent written and verbal communication;ability to convey complex issues to non-technical audiences Demonstrated knowledge of Payroll principles & processesDesired skills /Competencies: Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) Strong SAP Employee Central systems experience Customer service mindset with a focus on timely, accurate resolution Strong organizational skills;ability to prioritize multiple cases simultaneously Collaborative approach - works effectively across functions and levels Continuous improvement - proposes and implements process enhancements