Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist
Location: Princeton, NJ (hybrid)
Compensation: $60,000 – $75,000 base salary, depending on experience
Industry: Insurance

Overview
Beacon Hill is partnering with a growing insurance organization in Princeton, NJ is seeking a Payroll Specialist to support accurate and compliant payroll processing in a regulated, multi‑state environment. This role will play a key part in ensuring timely payroll delivery, compliance with federal and state regulations, and strong internal controls.

Key responsibilities
* Process bi‑weekly payroll for hourly and salaried employees
* Ensure accurate calculation of wages, bonuses, commissions, deductions, and garnishments
* Maintain and update employee payroll records including new hires, terminations, and compensation changes
* Reconcile payroll registers and support general ledger postings
* Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws, including multi‑state payroll requirements
* Support payroll tax filings, payroll adjustments, and year‑end processes (W‑2s, audits)
* Respond to employee payroll inquiries and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner
* Partner closely with HR and Accounting to ensure accurate benefits deductions and reporting
* Support internal audits, controls, and documentation requirements typical in an insurance environment
* Assist with process improvements and payroll system enhancements

Qualifications
* 2+ years of payroll processing experience
* Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax withholdings, and compliance requirements
* Experience working with payroll systems such as ADP, Workday, UKG, Paychex, or similar platforms
* Comfortable working in a controlled, compliance‑driven environment
* Strong Excel and reconciliation skills
* High attention to detail with the ability to manage sensitive information confidentially

Why this role
This is a stable, hands‑on payroll role within an insurance organization offering clear ownership, strong cross‑functional collaboration, and competitive compensation aligned with the Princeton market.