Payroll Specialist Lead - US

Overview

This role is responsible for executing and supporting payroll operations within the US PEO environment. The position combines hands-on payroll execution with operational expertise, as well as support for other payroll specialists.

You will ensure payroll is delivered accurately, on time, and in compliance with regulations, while contributing to process improvements and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Execute end-to-end payroll operations for the US PEO environment, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Validate payroll inputs, calculations, and outputs, maintaining data integrity across all payroll cycles.
• Manage payroll-related exceptions, adjustments, and reconciliations, escalating complex issues when necessary.
• Support operational implementation of payroll processes, including system updates, statutory changes, and new program rollouts.
• Serve as a point of contact for internal teams and relevant external stakeholders regarding payroll execution and compliance.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, documentation, and operational workflows.
• Participate in testing payroll system enhancements and updates to ensure operational readiness.
• Provide support and guidance to other payroll specialists when needed to maintain continuity and quality of payroll delivery.
• Monitor and contribute to payroll performance metrics, including SLAs and KPIs.

Requirements

• Proven experience in end-to-end payroll execution within the US PEO or similar environment, including payroll validations, reconciliations, and statutory filings.
• Knowledge of US federal, state, and local payroll regulations and payroll best practices.
• Experience implementing payroll processes or contributing to operational rollouts.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to identify issues, interpret data, and resolve exceptions accurately.
• Proficiency in payroll systems and ability to quickly learn new operational tools; experience with automation or AI-assisted workflows is a plus.
• Comfortable operating independently in a remote-first, asynchronous work environment.
• Collaborative mindset and strong communication skills for partnering with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple payroll cycles and deadlines effectively.
• High integrity and discretion when handling sensitive payroll information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with multi-country payroll is a plus, but not required for this US-focused role.

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual base salary range (full-time): $66,550—$112,300 USD
• Additional compensation may vary based on location, transferable/job-related skills, work experience, relevant training, business needs, and market demands. The base salary range may be subject to change.

Benefits and perks may include:

• Work from anywhere
• Flexible paid time off
• Flexible working hours (async)
• 16 weeks paid parental leave
• Budget toward co-working spaces, learning and wellness (including gym memberships)
• Mental health support services
• Stock options
• Home office budget & IT equipment

Location

• United States, remote

Additional Information

• Team: Global Operations (EOR & Payroll)
• Start date: As soon as possible

Application Process (as listed)

• Async profile review
• Interview with Recruiter
• Interview with Manager, Payroll Operations, US PEO
• Interview with Manager, Payroll Operations, Special Projects Lead
• Bar Raiser Interview
• Interview with General Manager, US Payroll & PEO
• Async offer
• Prior employment verification check (voluntary verification step described in the posting)

Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.