Job Description

Job Description: Payroll Specialist

Position Summary

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for end-to-end payroll processing for approximately 200 employees across three U.S. locations. This role operates in a highly manual environment and will play a critical role in establishing standardized processes, documentation, and internal controls to ensure accurate, compliant, and efficient payroll operations.

This role is a unique opportunity to help build and strengthen foundational payroll/benefits processes in a growing organization.

Key Responsibilities

Process weekly payroll accurately and on time, including timekeeping inputs, adjustments, deductions, and taxes
Collect and validate payroll data from multiple sources and systems
Perform payroll audits and reconciliations, including payroll-to-GL alignment
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax requirements
Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll-related employee inquiries

Process & Controls (Critical Focus Area)

Design and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for payroll processes
Establish and maintain a payroll control framework, including:
- Pre-and post-payroll validation checks
- Approval workflows
- Documentation standards
Identify and mitigate risks related to manual processes and single points of failure
Partner with Finance and HR to improve data accuracy and process flow

Qualifications

3–5+ years of payroll processing experience (multi-state preferred)
Strong understanding of payroll compliance and tax regulations
Experience working in manual or evolving payroll environments preferred
High attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently and build structure in a developing environment

What Success Looks Like

Payroll is processed accurately, consistently, and on time
Documented, repeatable payroll processes are in place
A clear controls framework reduces risk and improves audit readiness
Reduced reliance on manual workarounds over time

#LI-KP1

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