Description Are you an experienced Payroll Tax Specialist with a knack for problem-solving and a passion for customer service? We are seeking a dedicated professional to join our client's team near Downtown Houston on a contract-to-hire basis. If you thrive in a dynamic environment, have strong payroll tax expertise (including multi-state experience) and enjoy collaborating with both internal teams and external partners, we’d love to hear from you! Key Responsibilities: As a Payroll Tax Specialist, you will report to the Payroll Tax Manager and collaborate closely with the payroll team, third-party vendors, and tax agencies. Key duties include: + Managing the setup, maintenance, and closure of payroll tax accounts (federal, state, and local) in coordination with third-party providers. + Working with payroll providers, tax authorities, and ADP SmartCompliance to resolve payroll tax issues promptly and efficiently. + Providing top-notch customer service in response to payroll tax questions from employees, HR, department managers, and other stakeholders. + Assisting with complex payroll tax issues and addressing special needs, including multi-state compliance, as needed. + Ensuring unemployment tax rates are accurate and updated promptly. + Supporting year-end processes, including monthly/quarterly reviews, reconciliation, and issuance of W-2s/T4s, as well as handling corrections when necessary. + Staying up to date and compliant with federal, state, and local income tax laws across multiple jurisdictions. + Maintaining confidentiality and documentation of payroll-related information and procedures. + Participating in special projects and other duties assigned by management. Requirements The ideal candidate for this Payroll Tax Specialist role will possess the following: + Experience: Minimum of 5 years of payroll tax experience in an organization with over 10,000 employees, including multi-state payroll tax compliance. + Systems Knowledge: Proficiency with ADP SmartCompliance or other payroll tax management systems is required. + Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced functions such as financial and logical operations, working with multiple spreadsheets, and importing/exporting data. + Knowledge: Strong understanding of federal, state, and local payroll tax laws, with specific expertise in California payroll regulations. + Education: High School Diploma required; college-level coursework is highly preferred. + Certifications: FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification) or CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) credentials are highly preferred. + Soft Skills: Highly organized with impeccable attention to detail, ability to prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines. Excellent customer service and relationship-building skills. + Problem-Solving: Ability to conduct research, analyze findings, and draw actionable conclusions. + Work Ethic: Self-starter with the ability to work independently and with minimal supervision. Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app) and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more. All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information. © 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s Terms of Use (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/terms) .