Payroll Specialist (Contract)

Overview

A high-growth software company specializing in cloud-native customer service and operations platforms for utilities is seeking a Payroll Specialist for a 4-month contract role with potential extension. This position supports payroll operations across the United States and Canada, reporting to the Director of Finance. The role requires expertise in multi-jurisdictional payroll compliance and benefits administration.

Responsibilities

Payroll

• Manage timely and accurate payroll processing for employees in the US and Canada every pay cycle.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal, state, provincial, and local payroll regulations and communicate relevant updates to leadership.
• Process and distribute employee payments, prepare payroll documentation, and resolve discrepancies proactively.
• Generate payroll reports covering earnings, taxes, deductions, leave, disability, and nontaxable wages.
• Research and resolve employment tax inquiries and discrepancies; establish and maintain tax profiles with relevant jurisdictions.
• Handle sensitive payroll information confidentially and professionally.
• Identify opportunities to streamline and automate payroll processes.
• Collaborate on special projects and prepare ad hoc reports for internal stakeholders and leadership.
• Ensure compliance with all payroll-related legal requirements, including tax filings and regulatory reporting.

Benefits Administration

• Facilitate new hire enrollment in benefit plans across the US and Canada, including 401(k) and RRSP retirement programs.
• Maintain and update employee benefit accounts, managing changes and life events.
• Serve as a resource for employee benefits questions and resolve issues promptly.
• Note: This role does not include open enrollment responsibilities.

Requirements

• Based in the Atlanta, Georgia area; this is a fully remote role but local candidates only.
• Bachelor's degree in a business-related field; Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation is a plus.
• 2-5 years of payroll experience with hands-on processing in both the US and Canada.
• Strong familiarity with benefits administration, including retirement plans in both countries.
• Deep knowledge of payroll systems and multi-jurisdictional compliance.
• Experience with payroll and HRIS systems; familiarity with BambooHR and PayEvo is advantageous.
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to handle sensitive data with discretion.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across all organizational levels.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing circumstances.

Compensation & Benefits

• Remote-first work environment with flexible hours across North America.
• Competitive total compensation package.
• MacBook provided plus $800 allowance for home office setup.
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage starting from day one.
• Generous paid time off and unlimited sick days.
• Retirement plan matching programs: RRSP (Canada) and 401(k) (US).
• Annual professional development fund of $2,500, tuition assistance, and book reimbursement program.
• Company-sponsored events and team offsites.

Location

• Remote role requiring candidates to be based in the Atlanta, Georgia area.

Additional Information

• The organization is committed to providing accommodations during the interview process upon request.
• Equal opportunity employer welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of protected characteristics.
• Final candidates will undergo background checks and identity verification as part of compliance procedures.