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Contract Payroll Manager Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

The Payroll Manager will report directly to the Accounting Manager. This position operates in a ... PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS • Experience in government DoD contract accounting. • Experience ...

The Payroll Manager will report directly to the Accounting Manager. This position operates in a ... PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS • Experience in government DoD contract accounting. • Experience ...

Payroll Specialist

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$20.90 - $27/hr

Our client, a non-profit in the behavioral health space, is in need for a contract-to-hire Payroll ... Utilize ADP to manage payroll operations efficiently. * Maintain accurate records and prepare ...

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Payroll Technician

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$21.30 - $26.62/hr

Must have experience with year-end payroll close and processing of W-2s. MAJOR FUNCTIONS The ... Management, LLC (TTM) and under contract with the City of Tucson.

Projects Contracts Manager

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

... payroll, disadvantaged business enterprise spend reporting, insurance, etc.) throughout project execution. * Track "lessons learned" for contract management. * Collaborate with legal department and ...

... payroll, disadvantaged business enterprise spend reporting, insurance, etc.) throughout project execution. * Track "lessons learned" for contract management. * Collaborate with legal department and ...

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Contract Payroll Manager information

What is a contract payroll manager?

A Contract Payroll Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing the payroll process within an organization on a temporary or contractual basis. They ensure that employees are paid accurately and on time, manage payroll compliance, and often implement payroll systems or processes. Contract Payroll Managers may be hired to cover staff absences, manage transitions, or handle increased workloads. Their duties typically include processing payroll, resolving discrepancies, and ensuring adherence to tax laws and company policies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract payroll manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Payroll Manager, you need strong knowledge of payroll processing, compliance regulations, and accounting principles, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Proficiency with payroll software such as ADP, SAP, or QuickBooks, as well as familiarity with timekeeping systems, is usually required, and certifications like CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) are highly valued. Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help in managing deadlines and collaborating with HR and finance teams. These competencies are crucial for ensuring accurate and timely payroll operations, maintaining legal compliance, and supporting organizational financial integrity.

What are some common challenges faced by contract payroll managers, and how can they be addressed?

Contract Payroll Managers often encounter challenges such as adapting quickly to new payroll systems, ensuring compliance with varying labor regulations, and managing tight deadlines for multiple clients or departments. To address these challenges, it's important to have strong organizational skills, remain current with legal updates, and communicate effectively with both HR and finance teams. Leveraging robust payroll software and maintaining detailed documentation can also help streamline processes and minimize errors during transitions.

What is the difference between Contract Payroll Manager vs Payroll Specialist?

AspectContract Payroll ManagerPayroll Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires payroll management experience, certifications like CPP or FPCOften requires payroll or accounting certifications, basic payroll training
Work EnvironmentManages payroll processes, oversees teams, works with HR and finance departmentsPerforms payroll processing, data entry, and compliance tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in companies needing temporary or project-based payroll managementCommon in organizations with ongoing payroll processing needs
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for managerial roles in payrollCompared for entry to mid-level payroll processing roles

The Contract Payroll Manager typically oversees payroll operations, manages teams, and handles complex payroll issues, often requiring management experience and certifications. In contrast, a Payroll Specialist focuses on executing payroll tasks, data entry, and compliance. Both roles are essential in payroll functions but differ in scope, responsibility, and experience level.

What are the most commonly searched types of Payroll Manager jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Payroll Manager jobs in Arizona are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Payroll Manager jobs in Arizona?

For Contract Payroll Manager jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Payroll Manager jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Payroll Manager jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Contract Payroll Manager jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Contract Payroll Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Payroll Manager job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Temporary. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution.

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

The Payroll Manager will report directly to the Accounting Manager.  This position operates in a fastpaced, highly transactional governmentcontracting environment and is responsible for fullcycle processing of the company’s highvolume biweekly payroll using UKG and Deltek Costpoint. This role collaborates closely with HR, Accounting, and IT while maintaining ownership of core payroll functions. This role also supports broader administrative accounting activities as needed. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Independently manages full-cycle payroll processing for 800+ employees in multiple states, including validation of new hires, terminations, bonuses, and benefit deductions.
  • Maintains accurate employee payroll records, processes personnel changes, and ensures data accuracy within the system.
  • Imports timekeeping data from Deltek Costpoint and Plex into UKG for processing
  • Manages and reviews payroll data before and after transmission, ensuring accuracy, proper documentation, and required approvals of bi-weekly payroll.
  • Processes and maintains detailed records of all court-ordered wage garnishments, child support orders, and tax levies.
  • Posts weekly PTO accruals and ensures accuracy of balances.
  • Calculates, tracks, and remits union dues in accordance with collective bargaining requirements.
  • Ensures annual SCA and union pay changes, including H&W rates, have been entered accurately into UKG.
  • Coordinates with HR and IT to ensure payroll systems accurately reflect benefit deductions, accrual updates, HRIS changes, timekeeping updates, and tax configurations.
  • Actively participates in UKG Open Enrollment sessions set up, ensuring payroll deduction dates are accurate in the system.
  • Stays current with Federal, state, and local payroll laws and tax changes, rules and regulations, governmentcontracting requirements, 401k plan amendments, and internal policies and ensures changes related to these processes are entered in UKG timely and accurately.
  • Serves as the primary point of contact for resolving payrollrelated inquiries from employees, supervisors, crossfunctional teams, and stakeholders.
  • Completes monthend and yearend payroll tasks, reporting, and reconciliations timely and accurately.
  • Performs other financial or administrative duties as assigned in support of the Accounting Department.

 COMPETENCIES:

  • Strong customer focus—supports both internal stakeholders and external partners.
  • Demonstrates sound ethical judgment and decision-making.
  • Effective verbal and written communicator with strong listening skills.
  • Highly organized with excellent timemanagement capabilities in a fastmoving environment.
  • Detailoriented, qualityfocused, and able to proof own work accurately.
  • Collaborative team member with strong interpersonal skills.
  • Consistent inperson attendance and reliability in a deadlinedriven environment.
  • Ability to navigate and work within multiple systems to obtain and validate timekeeping and payroll data.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • 5+ years’ experience in Payroll preparation
  • Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business
  • Experience using MS Office Suite, including strong Excel skills using VLOOKUP, formulas, and pivot tables.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS

• Experience in government DoD contract accounting.

• Experience with SCA and union employees