Payroll Manager

We are looking for a Payroll Data Analyst to join a transport organization in Topeka, Kansas on a Long-term Contract assignment. This position will play a key role in supporting complex payroll operations for a large unionized employee population by reviewing time and pay data, resolving exceptions, and strengthening reporting accuracy. The ideal candidate brings strong analytical ability, sound payroll knowledge, and the confidence to work effectively in a fast-moving environment with strict processing timelines. Responsibilities:• Review and interpret timekeeping and payroll information each pay cycle to help ensure accurate wage calculations for a large employee group.• Apply collective bargaining agreement provisions and pay rules to determine earnings, premium pay, and incentive qualification.• Investigate payroll discrepancies by tracing underlying data issues, identifying root causes, and recommending corrective action.• Prepare recurring and ad hoc payroll reports that support processing decisions, exception management, and operational visibility.• Partner with payroll operations teams to meet narrow post-payroll deadlines and maintain consistent processing quality.• Evaluate manual workflows and propose practical improvements that increase efficiency, consistency, and automation.• Analyze information from payroll, reporting, and legacy data sources to support decision-making and issue resolution.• Provide hands-on support for payroll activities in a high-volume environment serving a large, unionized workforce. • Proven experience managing full cycle payroll in high-volume environments, including payroll populations exceeding 500 employees. • Strong knowledge of multi-state payroll practices and payroll compliance considerations. • Hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now and other payroll or workforce management systems. • Advanced analytical and reporting skills, including strong Excel capabilities and experience working with large datasets. • Ability to interpret union pay rules or other complex compensation structures with accuracy and consistency. • Demonstrated success identifying process improvement opportunities and helping reduce manual effort in payroll operations. • Comfortable working independently, adapting quickly to changing priorities, and meeting firm payroll deadlines. Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more. All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information. © 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s Terms of Use and Privacy Notice.