Payroll Specialist

Overview

Job Title: Payroll Specialist
Department: Managed Payroll
Location: Remote
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

This role involves supporting and overseeing payroll operations for assigned clients using a vendor-specific payroll platform. The Payroll Specialist is responsible for processing accurate and timely payrolls, maintaining payroll data integrity, and executing payroll transactions in accordance with established processes and service standards. The position also includes recommending process improvements, implementing best practices, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Process end-to-end payrolls for multiple clients using the vendor-specific platform.
• Audit payroll data for accuracy, including earnings, deductions, and accruals.
• Perform payroll balancing to ensure error-free processing.
• Manage payroll changes such as new hires, terminations, compensation updates, and earnings/deduction modifications within the payroll system.
• Process off-cycle payrolls, bonuses, commissions, and retroactive adjustments.
• Support payroll imports, integrations, and review timekeeping data within the payroll system.
• Partner with clients to collect, validate, and process payroll inputs.
• Support new client onboarding by learning and documenting client payroll workflows, calendars, and operational processes.
• Analyze client payroll procedures and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
• Develop and maintain detailed client-specific payroll standard operating procedures (SOPs), onboarding documentation, and process records.
• Collaborate with clients to transition payroll operations into standardized workflows aligned with service practices.
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies and client inquiries.
• Participate in payroll projects, system optimizations, and onboarding activities as needed.
• Work cross-functionally with internal teams to support payroll processing, data accuracy, and timely resolution of payroll-related issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Hands-on payroll processing experience with the vendor-specific payroll system.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including auditing, manipulating, and reconciling large payroll data sets.
• Experience using Excel for payroll balancing, variance analysis, retro calculations, and data validation.
• Strong knowledge of Excel formulas such as VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, SUMIF(S), COUNTIF(S), IF statements, and pivot tables.
• Ability to import/export payroll files and review data feeds using Excel.
• Experience managing client-facing payroll communications.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple payrolls in a deadline-driven environment.
• Proven problem-solving skills to navigate complex payroll scenarios.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to analyze payroll workflows and identify opportunities for operational improvement and process standardization.
• Strong documentation and organizational skills to develop detailed client-specific payroll procedures and SOPs.
• Experience supporting payroll onboarding, operational transitions, or payroll process implementation is preferred.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Five (5) or more years of payroll processing experience preferred.
• Two (2) to four (4) years of direct experience with the vendor-specific payroll system required.
• Working knowledge of payroll principles, practices, and procedures.
• Experience with benefits and earnings/deduction configuration preferred.
• Client payroll onboarding or implementation experience preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to move up to 15 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to participate in video conferences and meetings.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $25.31 to $35.76 per hour.

The employer is an equal opportunity organization and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.