Senior Payroll Specialist

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Payroll Specialist based in the United States.

This role offers the opportunity to manage complex U.S. payroll operations while serving as a trusted partner to a diverse portfolio of clients. You will oversee end-to-end payroll processing across multiple states, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and regulatory compliance. The position combines technical payroll expertise with hands-on client service and problem-solving. You will navigate multi-state regulations, payroll taxes, benefits deductions, 401(k) processes, and payroll system requirements. Beyond managing daily payroll activities, you will help onboard clients, improve internal workflows, and strengthen compliance practices. You will also support junior team members and contribute to a collaborative environment focused on dependable, high-quality payroll delivery.

Accountabilities:

You will take ownership of payroll activities for assigned clients, ensuring reliable processing and proactive resolution of issues while contributing to stronger team processes and client relationships.

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for an assigned portfolio of multi-state U.S. clients, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.
• Apply knowledge of hiring regulations, termination pay rules, and final paycheck requirements across multiple states.
• Process and manage payroll deductions and adjustments related to health, dental, and vision benefits, including prorations, retroactive deductions, and mid-period changes.
• Manage payroll-related 401(k) processes, including contribution processing, loan repayments, and plan maintenance.
• Monitor payroll tax filings and resolve tax notices from federal, state, and local authorities.
• Serve as the primary payroll contact for assigned clients and provide responsive, knowledgeable support.
• Handle complex payroll situations independently and escalate issues to the Payroll Director when appropriate.
• Onboard new payroll clients and support transitions, data migrations, and payroll system setups.
• Provide guidance to junior payroll associates and act as a first escalation point for routine payroll questions.
• Support the development and refinement of internal payroll processes, checklists, controls, and best practices.
• Participate in internal training initiatives and contribute to the payroll knowledge base.
• Work with payroll platforms such as Gusto, Justworks, ADP, and Paychex while helping improve workflows, templates, and compliance controls.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate is an experienced U.S. payroll professional with strong multi-state knowledge, client-service skills, and the ability to manage complex payroll matters independently. You should be detail-oriented, comfortable working with payroll systems and reports, and capable of identifying discrepancies and compliance risks throughout the payroll cycle.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 3-6 years of hands-on U.S. payroll experience.
• Experience in a multi-client payroll environment, such as a CPA firm, PEO, or payroll service provider, or significant multi-state payroll experience covering 10+ states.
• Hands-on experience with payroll platforms such as Gusto, Justworks, ADP, Paychex, or similar systems.
• Strong spreadsheet and payroll-report skills for reconciliation and audit purposes.
• Knowledge of hiring regulations, termination pay rules, and final paycheck requirements across multiple U.S. states.
• Knowledge of payroll deductions and adjustments for health, dental, and vision benefits, including prorations, retroactive deductions, and mid-period changes.
• Understanding of 401(k) payroll processes, including contributions, loan repayments, and plan maintenance.
• Experience resolving client payroll issues and identifying compliance risks or discrepancies before, during, and after payroll processing.
• Ability to act as a primary client contact and manage escalations independently.
• Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• FPC or CPP certification is preferred.
• French language proficiency is a plus.

Benefits:

• 100% employer-paid health insurance.
• HSA and FSA options available.
• 401(k) plan with 100% matching contributions up to 6% after 3 months.
• Flexible paid time-off policy, with a minimum of 2 weeks per year to be taken.
• Work-from-home-friendly environment.
• Opportunity to support a diverse portfolio of U.S. clients with complex payroll needs.
• Opportunities to contribute to process improvements, training, and payroll best practices.