Payroll Specialist- Remote West Coast

Overview

A leading Professional Employer Organization (PEO) serving small and medium-sized businesses in blue and gray-collar industries is seeking a Payroll Specialist. This role involves partnering with PEO clients to produce accurate, compliant, and timely payrolls while providing excellent service and support.

Responsibilities

• Compile payroll data and billing records; assist customers and worksite employees (WSE).
• Prepare and execute pay orders through electronic systems and issue paychecks according to PEO guidelines.
• Calculate gross pay, per diem, reimbursements, advances, taxes, benefits, garnishments, and process timesheets.
• Record changes affecting net wages such as exemptions, insurance coverage, personnel changes, direct deposit, special withholdings, and termination forms.
• Enter and maintain client-related information in the payroll system, including demographic changes, benefit plan deductions, reports, and payroll schedules.
• Review new hire and employee change paperwork; collaborate with clients to ensure accurate and compliant payroll processing.
• Train and assist clients and their representatives on related websites; educate clients on federal and state tax regulations and labor laws.
• Collaborate with internal payroll departments and field client service teams to resolve client issues promptly and document accordingly.
• Stay updated on payroll system enhancements, wage and tax law changes, and PEO service offerings to assist clients and departments.
• Ensure compliance with PEO payroll policies and procedures.
• Maintain high-quality payroll service to clients and worksite employees, contributing to client retention.
• Maintain positive relationships with assigned clients and worksite employees.
• Proactively communicate suggestions, concerns, and observations to management.
• May track job costing including direct and indirect costs such as labor, materials, and overhead.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the position's function.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate or Bachelor's degree in finance, business, or accounting preferred.
• Minimum 1 year of multi-state payroll experience required.
• 6+ months of PEO experience highly preferred.
• Experience with Prism payroll system highly preferred.
• 10-key experience preferred.
• FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification) preferred.
• Strong computer literacy, including Microsoft Office.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and work independently.
• Ability to travel to office for business continuity purposes if needed.
• Must be able to work an 8am-5pm Pacific Time schedule.
• Candidates residing on the West Coast are highly preferred.
• Must be a self-starter capable of functioning as a remote employee within a distributed team.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work in an innovative and growth-oriented PEO environment.
• Chance to drive meaningful impact and contribute to a high-performing team.

Location

• Remote position with preference for candidates residing on the West Coast.
• Work schedule: 8am-5pm Pacific Time.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Primarily indoor work with regular communication requirements.
• Occasional travel may be required to support the distributed workforce.
• May involve working in varying temperatures or outdoor environments as needed.