Payroll Specialist

Partner with payroll leadership and external payroll vendors to investigate discrepancies, resolve complex issues, and keep processing activities on schedule. Support end-to-end biweekly payroll activities for employees across 30+ states , including earnings, deductions, adjustments, and payroll controls.

Title: Payroll Specialist

Office Status: In-Office

Salary Range: 85k-90k

ABOUT THE ROLE

A growing organization is seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist to support payroll operations for a large, multi-state employee population. This role will work closely with payroll leadership and external payroll partners to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely biweekly payroll processing. The ideal candidate is highly detail-oriented, comfortable handling confidential employee information, and able to independently troubleshoot payroll issues in a fast-moving environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support end-to-end biweekly payroll activities for employees across 30+ states, including earnings, deductions, adjustments, and payroll controls.
• Process employee changes such as tax updates, garnishments, timekeeping corrections, and other payroll-related transactions through the organization's payroll systems.
• Review time and attendance information, follow up on outstanding approvals, and assist employees with time-off and payroll questions.
• Coordinate off-cycle payroll activity involving bonuses, one-time payments, and other compensation adjustments.
• Act as a primary resource for employees regarding payroll, taxation, deductions, and compensation-related questions while maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Partner with payroll leadership and external payroll vendors to investigate discrepancies, resolve complex issues, and keep processing activities on schedule.
• Monitor compliance with federal, state, and local payroll requirements and assist with periodic tax filings and reporting.
• Support quarterly and year-end payroll activities, reconciliations, audits, and requests for supporting documentation.
• Prepare recurring and ad-hoc payroll reports, analyze payroll data, and communicate findings to appropriate stakeholders.
• Assist with administration and tracking of equity-related compensation programs, including employee stock purchase programs and stock-based awards.
• Identify opportunities to streamline payroll processes, improve controls, and increase operational efficiency.
• Provide additional support across HR/payroll initiatives and projects as business needs evolve.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 5+ years of dedicated payroll experience, including hands-on responsibility for multi-state payroll.
• Demonstrated experience working with an established payroll processing system;Workday Payroll experience strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with payroll vendor platforms and integrations;experience with ADP Smart Compliance is a plus.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local payroll regulations and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of ESPPs, RSUs, and other equity-based compensation programs strongly preferred.
• Highly detail-oriented with exceptional accuracy and the ability to consistently meet firm payroll deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate issues independently and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with employees and stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Strong customer-service mindset when handling employee payroll questions and sensitive compensation matters.
• Ability to remain effective under pressure and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn additional HR and payroll applications as needed.