Payroll Specialist

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