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Payroll Specialist Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

National University

Payroll Specialist (Contractor)

$30/hr

Maintains accurate payroll records in order to deliver accurate and on-time pay to employees ultimately impacting customer satisfaction and profitability. Essential Functions: * Answers employee and ...

E.R. Snell Contractor, Inc.

Payroll Specialist

Snellville, GA · On-site

$20.25 - $27.50/hr

R. Snell Contractor, Inc., founded in 1923, is a family-owned construction and infrastructure ... Position Description This is a full-time role for a Payroll Specialist based in Snellville, GA ...

CFS

AP/AR & Payroll Specialist

Mount Vernon, OH

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

  • Retirement

Contractors are responsible for coding customer job expenses, while the AP/AR & Payroll Specialist will enter invoices into QuickBooks Online and prepare checks for contractors. Utility invoices and ...

Garage Headquarters

Payroll Specialist

Warwick, RI · On-site

$23 - $31.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for processing accurate and timely payroll while supporting ... Contractor Prequalifications * Complete contractor prequalification applications for general ...

Garage Headquarters

Payroll Specialist

Warwick, RI

$23 - $31.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for processing accurate and timely payroll while supporting ... Contractor Prequalifications * Complete contractor prequalification applications for general ...

Garage Headquarters

Payroll Specialist

Warwick, RI

$23 - $31.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for processing accurate and timely payroll while supporting ... Contractor Prequalifications * Complete contractor prequalification applications for general ...

Midwest Services Group

Payroll Specialist

Vandalia, IL · On-site

$20.75 - $28.25/hr

... quality contractor services in the Oil and Gas and Renewable Energy Industry. Since 2009, our ... Payroll Specialist The Payroll Specialist will support the accurate and timely processing of weekly ...

Technico

Payroll Specialist

Long Island City, NY · On-site

$25.50 - $34.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Payroll Specialist Location: Long Island City, NY Job Type: Full-Time Reports To: Financial ... Technico Construction Services Inc. is a full-service general contractor and construction ...

Midwest Services Group

Payroll Specialist

Vandalia, IL · On-site

$20.75 - $28.25/hr

... quality contractor services in the Oil and Gas and Renewable Energy Industry. Since 2009, our ... Payroll Specialist The Payroll Specialist will support the accurate and timely processing of weekly ...

Technico

Payroll Specialist

Queens, NY · On-site

$25.50 - $34.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Payroll Specialist Location: Long Island City, NY Job Type: Full-Time Reports To: Financial ... Technico Construction Services Inc. is a full-service general contractor and construction ...

Ascension Property Services

Payroll Specialist

Nashville, TN · On-site

$22.75 - $31/hr

The Payroll Specialist serves as a key resource supporting payroll administration, payroll audits ... Support contractor, customer, and government agency payroll audits and reporting requests This is ...

Emergency Care Partners

Payroll Specialist

Lafayette, LA · On-site

$18.25 - $24.75/hr

Job Type Full-time Description Job purpose The Payroll Specialist is responsible for accurately and ... Communicate professionally and effectively with employees and independent contractors to gather ...

Career Site

Payroll Specialist

Brentwood, TN · On-site +1

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

The Payroll Specialist serves as a key resource supporting payroll administration, payroll audits ... Support contractor, customer, and government agency payroll audits and reporting requests This is ...

Iuvo Systems

Payroll Specialist

Bowie, MD · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

  • PTO

We are seeking a Payroll Specialist to work in a full-time capacity 100% remote. Knowledgeable in ... Stay updated on changes in payroll regulations, especially those affecting government contractors.

Strategic Employment

Payroll Specialist

Reading, PA · On-site

$22.50 - $30.75/hr

  • PTO

A rapidly growing inhome services company is seeking a Senior Payroll Specialist to take full ownership of payroll for a workforce of 200+ employees and contractors. Reporting directly to the ...

Iuvo Systems

Payroll Specialist

Bowie, MD · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

  • PTO

We are seeking a Payroll Specialist to work in a full-time capacity 100% remote. Knowledgeable in ... Stay updated on changes in payroll regulations, especially those affecting government contractors.

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All JobsPayroll Specialist Contractor Jobs

Payroll Specialist Contractor information

See salary details

$15

$27

$39

How much do payroll specialist contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for payroll specialist contractor in the United States is $27.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.60 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a payroll specialist contractor do?

A Payroll Specialist Contractor is responsible for managing and processing payroll for clients or organizations on a contract basis. Their duties typically include calculating employee wages, ensuring compliance with tax laws, preparing payroll reports, and handling payroll inquiries. They may also manage deductions, benefits, and direct deposits. As contractors, they often work independently or through staffing agencies and may serve multiple clients. Their expertise helps ensure employees are paid accurately and on time while meeting all regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Payroll Specialist Contractor vs Payroll Specialist?

AspectPayroll Specialist ContractorPayroll Specialist
CredentialsTypically no formal certification required; experience preferredOften requires certifications like CPP or FPC
Work EnvironmentContract basis, often remote or temporaryFull-time, permanent in-house or remote
Employer UsageHired through staffing agencies or as independent contractorsEmployed directly by companies
Work ScopeFocused on specific payroll tasks, project-basedHandles end-to-end payroll processing and compliance

In summary, a Payroll Specialist Contractor works on a temporary or project basis, often without formal certifications, and is usually hired through agencies. In contrast, a Payroll Specialist is a permanent employee with certifications, managing comprehensive payroll functions within a company.

Is being a payroll specialist contractor worth it?

A payroll specialist contractor manages employee compensation, tax deductions, and compliance using payroll software and industry regulations. The role offers flexible scheduling and the potential for competitive pay, but it requires attention to detail and knowledge of payroll laws. Contract work can provide varied experience but may lack benefits associated with full-time positions.

What other jobs can a payroll specialist do?

A payroll specialist can transition into roles such as payroll manager, HR coordinator, or compensation analyst, leveraging their knowledge of payroll processing, compliance, and employee data management. They often use tools like payroll software and may pursue certifications like the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) to expand their career options.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a payroll specialist contractor?

To thrive as a Payroll Specialist Contractor, you need expertise in payroll processing, tax regulations, and accounting principles, often supported by a degree in finance or accounting. Familiarity with payroll software such as ADP, Paychex, or QuickBooks, and certifications like the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) are highly valuable. Strong attention to detail, discretion, and effective communication skills set top professionals apart in this role. These abilities ensure accurate payroll administration, compliance with legal requirements, and smooth coordination with clients and team members.

What are the main challenges a payroll specialist contractor might face when working with multiple clients?

As a Payroll Specialist Contractor, one of the biggest challenges is managing the varying payroll systems and compliance requirements of different clients. Each client may use different software, pay schedules, and have unique policies for benefits, taxes, and reporting. Staying organized, communicating clearly with each client, and keeping up to date with changing regulations are essential to ensure accuracy and avoid costly errors. Contractors also need to adapt quickly to new environments and processes as they take on new clients, making flexibility and attention to detail key strengths in this role.
More about Payroll Specialist Contractor jobs
What cities are hiring for Payroll Specialist Contractor jobs? Cities with the most Payroll Specialist Contractor job openings:
What states have the most Payroll Specialist Contractor jobs? States with the most job openings for Payroll Specialist Contractor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Payroll Specialist Contractor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Payroll Specialist Contractor jobs are:
Payroll Specialist Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payroll Specialist Contractor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,982 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Payroll Specialist (Contractor)

National University

Remote

$30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 hours ago

Job description

Compensation Range:
Hourly: $30.00 - $30.00
Position Summary
Under direct supervision, process and audit accurate and timely employee payroll. Use pay factors according to the National University System (NUS) policies as well as local, state and federal guidelines, reconciling Human Resources (HR) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems including documentation support. Maintains accurate payroll records in order to deliver accurate and on-time pay to employees ultimately impacting customer satisfaction and profitability.
Essential Functions:
  • Answers employee and management questions regarding paychecks and other payroll related matters (emails, and phone calls).
  • Responds to telephone or written inquiries from staff and faculty about reimbursement submissions and coding.
  • Processes assigned employee group, including transmission to ERP system and reconciling summary detail to reports, including uploading or downloading into the ERP system interface with the Finance department general ledger. Audits daily employee change report to ensure accurate information exists in both the enterprise resource planning software systems.
  • Prepares manual payments in the form of checks, wires, Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) using the enterprise resource planning software system, as necessary.
  • Provides information to the levying agency and determines appropriate withholding for third-party payments. Notifies employee within stated time and communicates action required as directed by the order.
  • Prepares employment verifications for EDD, other agencies and other institutions, reporting accurate information as required by the requesting agency.
  • Audits, prepares, and adjusts exception checks, including lost checks, late approvals, adjustments, and terminations. Maintains accurate records of exception checks issued within the department and designated pay group.
  • Corresponds with managers and HR regarding termination check timelines and delivery process. Provides termination checks within a timely manner to ensure compliance with all state and federal laws.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A
Requirements:
Education & Experience:
  • Associate degree with an emphasis in Accounting, Finance or Human Resources or its equivalent in related work preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Two to Four (2-4) years of professional experience with emphasis on payroll or accounting/financial/accounts payable related duties, or office management duties preferred.
  • Experience with Workday HCM, Payroll, Time Tracking and ADP Smart Compliance preferred.

Competencies / Technical / Functional Skills:
  • Ability to participate as an active team member of the team and organization and work toward a common goal.
  • Actively seeks opportunities to influence, build effective relationships and gain alignment with peers, functional partners and/or external partners to accomplish business objectives.
  • Accepts personal accountability, proactively seeks resolution for personal limitations head-on; and supports honesty and respect towards others, the company and oneself.
  • Develops new insights into situations; questions conventional approaches; encourages new ideas and innovations; designs and implements new or cutting-edge programs/processes. Ability to generate and/or recognize imaginative or creative solutions that generate successful outcomes.
  • Working knowledge of principles and practices of accounting and payroll processing and impact on general ledger within a large volume organization. Basic knowledge of mandates and other regulations related to payroll processing and labor law, preferred.
  • Intermediate use of computers and Microsoft Office Suite Applications such as Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook to include software programs for accounting and payroll processing, e.g. Workday HCM, Payroll Time Tracking and ADP Smart Compliance.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individual of constituencies in a diverse community. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
  • Work independently and foster a cooperative spirit within a large and/or small team of diverse cultures, while working in a fast-paced environment with multiple deadlines and frequently changing priorities.

Location: Remote, USA
Travel: No Travel Required
#LI-Remote
Candidate receiving offers will be offered a salary/pay rate commensurate with experience that vary based on a candidate's qualifications, skills, and competencies. Absent exceptional circumstances, candidates will be offered a salary within this range for this position. The minimum salary will be offered based on the minimum exemption threshold based on state of residency. Base pay is one component of National University's total rewards package, as we are dedicated to supporting the needs of the "whole you" with our holistic approach to employee benefits by offering comprehensive well-being benefits for you and your family. For full details about our benefit plan offerings, please visit benefits.nu.edu. For Part-time benefits, please click here.
National University is committed to maintaining a high-quality workforce representative of the populations we serve. National University employs more than 4,500 faculty and staff and serves over 45,000 students. We are united in our mission to meet the global education demands of the 21st Century and are dedicated to creating a supportive academic and work environment that allows students, faculty and staff to develop their interests and talents while experiencing a sense of community. With programs available both online and at our many campus locations, National University is a leader in creating innovative solutions to education and meeting the needs of our student population, including adult learners and working professionals.
National University (NU) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant per applicable federal, state and local laws. At NU, a mix of highly talented, innovative and creative people come together to make the impact of a lifetime for each of our student learners. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment, education, and admission at National University.

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