Payroll Administrator

We are looking for a Payroll Administrator to join a service-focused organization in Minneapolis, Minnesota on a contract basis with the potential for a permanent role.

About the role

This position plays a central role in delivering accurate payroll for a large, geographically diverse employee population while supporting compliance, reporting, and process consistency. The ideal candidate brings strong payroll expertise, sound judgment with sensitive information, and the ability to work closely with HR, Finance, vendors, and employees to keep payroll operations running smoothly.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end bi-weekly and monthly payroll processing for more than 3,000 employees across domestic and international populations, ensuring all pay data is complete and validated before each cycle.
• Review compensation inputs, audit payroll results, and resolve discrepancies so employees are paid correctly and on schedule.
• Maintain payroll procedures, internal controls, and continuity practices that support reliable operations and regulatory compliance.
• Act as a primary point of contact for payroll-related questions from employees, external providers, Human Resources, Finance, and other internal stakeholders.
• Prepare and retain payroll records in accordance with company standards and applicable recordkeeping requirements.
• Analyze payroll workflows and recommend improvements that strengthen accuracy, efficiency, automation, and scalability.
• Complete year-end payroll activities, including reconciliations and employee earnings documentation, while supporting compliance with tax and reporting obligations.
• Create monthly payroll journal entries and account reconciliations to support accurate financial reporting.
• Track payroll tax and regulatory updates and apply necessary changes to payroll practices, policies, and processes.
• Contribute payroll expertise to cross-functional initiatives such as integrations, market expansion efforts, benefits updates, and payroll system enhancements or vendor-related changes.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of payroll or closely related administrative experience, including ownership of full-cycle payroll activities.
• Demonstrated accuracy with numerical data, data entry, and payroll review processes, with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to handle confidential employee and compensation information with discretion and professionalism.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across multiple teams and stakeholder groups.
• Working knowledge of payroll regulations, payroll practices, and general accounting concepts.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Experience supporting multi-state payroll environments; international payroll exposure is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting preferred, along with experience using platforms such as Workday, ADP Workforce Now, ADP Celergo, or other HR/payroll systems.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance.
• Eligibility to enroll in the company 401(k) plan.