Payroll Specialist

Title/Role: FL-HART-Payroll Specialist (814972)
Start Date: 11/30/2026
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Worksite Address: 1201 E. 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
Usual Schedule/Work Hours (e.g. M-F, 9-5): Monday - Friday, 8am -5pm
Engagement Type: Contract
Agency Interview Type: In Person Only

Short Description:
FL-HART-Payroll Specialist - Assignment is at least 30 days in length

Complete Description:
FL-HART-Hillsborough Transit Authority-Payroll Specialist - Assignment is at least 30 days in length

Dress Code: Business Casual

Parking: cost, but validated

Work environment: professional office

Background requirements: Level 1, seven year criminal background including social security and sex offender check. Must also pass a 5-panel drug screen, including amphetamines, phencyclidine, cocaine, opiates, and marijuana.


SUMMARY OF RESPNSIBILITIES AND SKILLS NEEDED:

The Payroll Specialist performs advanced and complex payroll functions to ensure the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of employee compensation. This position independently manages complex payroll transactions, interprets and applies payroll policies and applicable collective bargaining provisions, resolves escalated payroll issues, and performs reconciliation and reporting activities. The Payroll Specialist serves as a subject matter resource for payroll processes and may provide guidance, training, or review of the work of other payroll staff. Validate employee pay hours to ensure an accurate and timely bi-weekly payroll. Apply pay rules as stated in the ATU and Teamster Labor Contracts, Non-Bargaining handbook and DOL requirements. To understand pay cycle processing and knowledge of ADP Payroll. Assist Payroll Manager as needed.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Process complex payroll transactions and ensure accurate and timely payment of employees

Process and resolve complex payroll adjustments and transactions, including retroactive pay, wage corrections, supplemental payments, final pay, garnishments, tax withholding adjustments, benefit deductions and other payroll-related corrections

Research, interpret, and apply payroll policies, procedure, collective bargaining provisions, and applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations to ensure consistent and compliant payroll administration.

Investigate and resolve escalated payroll discrepancies, employee inquiries and complex pay-related issues; identify root causes and recommend or implement appropriate corrective actions.

Review payroll data for accuracy, completeness, and compliance prior to the following payroll processing; identify discrepancies and perform necessary corrections and adjustments.

Perform payroll-to-general-ledger reconciliations and research and resolve variances between payroll records, accounting records, benefit deductions, tax liabilities and related financial systems.

Prepare, maintain and analyze payroll reports, records, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for management

Support internal and external audits by gathering documentation, researching payroll transactions, responding to inquiries, and assisting with the implementation of corrective actions or process improvements

Assist with year-end payroll activities and reporting, including the reconciliation and verification of payroll records, taxable wages, deductions, and other information necessary for required tax reporting and employee wage statements.

Maintain the confidentiality and security of employee payroll, tax, and personal information.

Serve as a technical resource to payroll staff, managers, and employees regarding complex payroll matters

Management garnishment set ups and changes in ADP

Assist in reviewing preview check register and making corrections as needed

Prepare check requests and backup documentation for payroll deductions paid through Accounts Payable or an ACH deposit
Prepare payroll off-cycle chaecks

Skills
Ability to speak, write and understand English - Required
Associates Degree in a Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field. - Required
Two to Four years of work experience in payroll, accounting, human resources, timekeeping or a related administrative role - 2Years Required
Excellent data entry skills - Required
Experience processing and reviewing complex payroll transactions with high degree of accuracy - 1Year Required
Experience performing detailed reconciliations, analysis, and problem-solving - 1Year Required
Ability to organize and prioritize work to meet critical payroll deadlines - 1Year Required
Ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information - 1Year Required Experience working in a unionized environment - Highly desired 
Experience using payroll and timekeeping systems, preferably ADP or Trapeze - Highly desired