Payroll Assistant (ADP / Workday)
Location: Hybrid, Portland
, Oregon
Duration: Contract 4-5 months with high chance extension
Reports to: Payroll Supervisor
Overview
We are seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Assistant to support payroll operations for a workforce of 3,000+ employees. This role is part of a small, collaborative payroll team and will play a critical role in ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing in a complex, unionized environment.
Payroll is processed using ADP Comprehensive Outsourcing Services (COS) – EV6, with Workday as the HR system and Workforce Software (MyTime) for time and attendance.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Processing & Administration
- Process payroll transactions including regular payroll, bonuses, severance, retiree pension payroll, and one-time payments
- Perform payroll calculations for terminations, retroactive pay, and adjustments
- Support employee data updates and payroll-related data entry in ADP and Workday
- Ensure payroll accuracy through detailed validation, audits, and reconciliations
- Process voluntary and involuntary deductions under supervision
Records & Compliance
- Maintain and archive payroll documentation in accordance with audit and compliance requirements
- Ensure adherence to union agreements, payroll policies, and regulatory requirements
- Support payroll audits and ensure data integrity
Systems, Reporting & Analysis
- Run and review payroll reports, identifying discrepancies or anomalies
- Assist with system updates, enhancements, and user acceptance testing (UAT)
- Support payroll system processes across ADP, Workday, and timekeeping platforms
Employee Support & Collaboration
- Respond to employee and manager inquiries related to payroll and timekeeping
- Provide guidance on payroll processes and system usage (e.g., time entry)
- Collaborate closely with Payroll Supervisor and Payroll Analyst
- Participate in daily standups and peer reviews to ensure quality and consistency
A Day in the Life
- Update employee records and process payroll transactions
- Perform calculations for adjustments, terminations, and special payments
- Review payroll data for accuracy and resolve discrepancies
- Respond to payroll inquiries via email/phone
- Archive documentation and support audit readiness
Top Priorities (First 30–60 Days)
- Complete training on payroll systems and processes
- Learn and execute end-to-end payroll processing
- Begin contributing to payroll runs with a focus on accuracy and compliance
Challenges in this Role
- Managing a highly complex payroll environment with manual validation processes
- Ensuring accuracy in a unionized, multi-rule payroll structure
- Navigating ambiguity while maintaining precision and meeting deadlines
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 2+ years of payroll or related experience
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to work independently and navigate ambiguity
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with ADP COS / EV6 or other ADP platforms
- Experience with union payrolls
- Experience processing multi-state payroll
- Familiarity with Workday and timekeeping systems (e.g., MyTime)
- CPP certification (nice to have)
Skills & Competencies
- Knowledge of payroll processes, wage and hour laws, and tax regulations
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Experience working in Agile or team-based environments
#INDOEM #LI-BP1
