Job Description

*No agency calls, please.

Location: Remote
Duration: Approximately 12 months (with potential to extend)
Type: Contract / Consultant

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Implementation Consultant to lead and support payroll system initiatives on a contract basis for approximately one year. This role is responsible for managing payroll projects end-to-end, with a strong focus on system implementation, cleanup, compliance, and new company setup.

The consultant will lead system onboarding efforts, analyze and optimize existing payroll and HRIS environments, and design and configure solutions that align with business needs. Responsibilities include system analysis, configuration, testing, documentation, training, and ongoing support, while partnering closely with both technical and business stakeholders.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in payroll systems, particularly ADP Workforce Now, along with strong project management skills and a comprehensive understanding of federal, state, and local payroll tax requirements. This role requires the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively to drive projects to successful completion.

This is a fully remote position that will work closely with the Payroll Director to support critical initiatives and long-term departmental goals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Payroll System Implementation and Cleanup

• Lead payroll system implementation and cleanup initiatives from planning through execution, including aligning existing companies to standardized structures.
• Configure and maintain payroll system components, including tax codes, earnings, deductions, validation tables, and accumulators.
• Clean up and standardize historical payroll data and configurations to ensure consistency, accuracy, and compliance across all entities.
• Validate system setup through test payrolls, including review of year-to-date accumulators and overall system accuracy.
• Ensure accurate payroll processing, reporting, tax filings, and employee deductions across all companies.
• Support year-end processing and new company integrations, ensuring seamless setup and compliance from the outset.

Payroll Tax, Compliance, and System Support

• Establish and maintain federal, state, and local payroll tax configurations, including State Unemployment Insurance (SUI), ensuring ongoing compliance.
• Support payroll tax compliance and filings, including 941s, W-2s, and applicable state requirements.
• Generate, review, and validate payroll reports and filings to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Lead and support new company setup within the payroll system, ensuring accurate configuration, including data feeds and reporting to enable full integration across ADP, UKG, and other platforms (e.g., Fidelity and benefits systems).
• Assist with year-end payroll processes, including testing, validation, and reconciliation for all entities.
• Troubleshoot and resolve ad hoc payroll issues during implementation and ongoing operations.

Project Management & Collaboration

• Partner with stakeholders to understand business needs and translate requirements into effective payroll and HRIS system configurations.
• Analyze existing payroll, HR, and time systems, including interfaces and integrations, to identify gaps and recommend improvements.
• Recommend and implement ADP solutions and best practices, ensuring alignment with business and compliance requirements.
• Lead end-to-end project execution, including discovery, configuration, data migration, testing, validation, and go-live readiness.
• Manage project timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder communication, providing regular status updates and progress reporting.
• Provide ongoing consulting support, including troubleshooting, documentation, and process optimization.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams and leadership, including the Payroll Director, to prioritize initiatives and meet departmental goals.

EXAMPLE PROJECT

State Unemployment Insurance (SUI) Setup

• Gather and analyze state-specific requirements, including employer account details, rate structures, and employee data.
• Configure payroll tax codes, ensuring accurate rates, wage bases, and ongoing compliance with state regulations.
• Map earnings, deductions, and accumulators within the payroll system to ensure accurate tax calculations and reporting.
• Validate SUI setup through test payrolls, ensuring accurate reporting, calculations, and deductions.
• Prepare and review required state reports and filings to maintain compliance.
• Implement process improvements, including automation of rate updates and integration of SUI setup into new-hire onboarding where applicable.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven experience managing end-to-end payroll projects in a consulting or contract capacity, including implementations, system cleanup, and multi-company environments.
• Hands-on expertise with ADP Workforce Now and experience configuring, testing, and optimizing payroll, HR, and time systems.
• In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax setup, including State Unemployment Insurance (SUI), and strong understanding of payroll system functionality and business processes.
• Strong project management skills, including timeline management, deliverables coordination, and ensuring successful project execution.
• Ability to analyze complex system requirements, troubleshoot issues, and implement practical solutions.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, working effectively with internal stakeholders, clients, and cross-functional teams.
• Experience in payroll and HR system configuration, implementation, and optimization, including supporting integrations with benefits and other HR platforms.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Proficient with payroll and HR systems, including ADP Workforce Now and UKG, with experience integrating third-party benefits platforms.
• Experience supporting multi-company or enterprise environments, including multi-client setups and new company onboarding.
• Strong background in payroll, accounting, payroll tax, or finance, with knowledge of federal, state, and local requirements.
• Hands-on experience with year-end payroll processes and related reconciliations.
• Familiarity with Agile or structured project delivery methodologies, including managing timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder communication.

*No agency calls, please.