Overview
A growing organization is seeking a Payroll Specialist to join their team. This role reports to the Vice President of Total Rewards and People Operations and is responsible for processing accurate and timely multi-state payroll, maintaining payroll data integrity, ensuring compliance with wage and hour laws, and supporting payroll audits and reconciliations. The Payroll Specialist will collaborate closely with People Operations and Finance teams and contribute to continuous improvement of payroll processes.
Responsibilities
- Process biweekly payroll for multiple states, including handling new hires, terminations, job changes, and pay adjustments.
- Administer payroll changes in payroll/HRIS systems, including earnings, deductions, taxes, garnishments, and direct deposits, ensuring data accuracy.
- Review and audit timesheets, PTO, and leave entries; coordinate with People Business Partners to resolve discrepancies before payroll processing.
- Prepare, reconcile, and submit payroll files, including off-cycle checks; support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end payroll close activities.
- Partner with Finance to reconcile payroll registers to the general ledger, support variance analysis, and maintain strong payroll controls.
- Support payroll tax processes such as setups, updates, notices, and reconciliations; collaborate with vendors to ensure timely and accurate filings.
- Respond to employee payroll inquiries regarding pay statements, taxes, deductions, timekeeping, and leave impacts with confidentiality and professionalism.
- Ensure payroll practices comply with applicable wage and hour laws and internal policies; maintain SOX-ready documentation and audit trails.
- Create and maintain payroll procedures, checklists, and training materials; identify opportunities to streamline processes and improve accuracy.
- Generate routine and ad hoc payroll reports to support Finance and People Operations.
- Assist with payroll and shared services projects as assigned.
Requirements
- Minimum of 3 years of end-to-end multi-state payroll processing experience; experience with multi-location payroll is a plus.
- Strong knowledge of payroll laws, confidentiality, and internal controls best practices.
- Hands-on experience supporting payroll tax processes including garnishments, W-2s, and agency notices.
- Proficiency with payroll, timekeeping, and HRIS systems such as UKG, ADP, Workday, or Paycom; ability to quickly learn new systems.
- Advanced Excel skills including lookups and pivot tables; comfortable working with large datasets and reconciliations.
- Willingness to travel 10-20% for meetings, company trainings, and events.
- Exceptional attention to detail and strong follow-through.
- Ability to work independently and manage ambiguity in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong teamwork orientation and excellent communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in a remote, fast-paced environment.
- Commitment to continuous improvement and professional growth.
Compensation & Benefits
- Estimated starting annual base salary range: $80,000 - $95,000, dependent on skills, experience, education, and market factors.
- Competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and paid parental leave.
- Generous retirement contributions: 401(k) plus 3% employer contribution from day one.
- Additional perks such as product discounts and team swag.
- Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
Location
- This is a remote position within the United States.
- Candidates residing in Alaska, Hawaii, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming are not eligible for employment in this role.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The organization is committed to building diverse teams and fostering an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued and respected. Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs without discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, citizenship status, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
Additional Information
- The organization does not accept unsolicited third-party recruitment agency submissions for this role.
- Applicants will receive follow-up communication regarding next steps after submitting their application; if not received, checking spam filters is recommended.