Payroll Specialist

Summary

We are a newly formed, large PE backed recurring revenue business with ~5,000 employees that is highly acquisitive. We are seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to ensure timely, accurate payroll processing and to help professionalize payroll operations as the company continues to grow and acquire new entities. The ideal candidate has hands‑on U.S. payroll processing experience, strong knowledge of federal and state wage and hour requirements, exceptional accuracy, and the ability to operate in a fast‑paced environment. This role is essential in delivering a reliable employee experience while maintaining payroll compliance across jurisdictions.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Processing

- Process bi-weekly or semi-monthly payroll cycles for employees across multiple U.S. states.

- Validate and reconcile hours, earnings, deductions, garnishments, benefits, and taxes.

- Ensure accurate tracking of PTO, overtime, differentials, bonuses, and commissions.

- Review and audit payroll reports prior to submission to ensure 100% accuracy.

Compliance & Controls

- Ensure payroll compliance with all U.S. federal, state, and local regulations (FLSA, minimum wage, overtime, tax laws, etc.).

- Maintain employee payroll records in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements.

- Support quarterly and annual filings (W-2, 941, state unemployment, etc.).

Employee Support & Service

- Act as the first‑line resource for employee payroll inquiries.

- Resolve discrepancies related to pay, taxes, direct deposit, and withholdings.

- Work cross‑functionally with HR and Accounting to maintain accurate employee data.

Systems & Process Improvement

- Assist with payroll system upgrades, integrations, and automations (e.g., ADP, UKG, Paylocity, Workday, etc.).

- Implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce error rates.

- Support integration of newly acquired companies into the payroll system and processes.

Special Projects

- Participate in audits, system migrations, M&A onboarding, and payroll data cleanup.

- Support cross‑functional initiatives related to compensation, benefits, and HR operations.

Qualifications

Must‑Have

- 2–5+ years of hands‑on U.S. payroll processing experience (multi‑state payroll strongly preferred).

- Strong knowledge of federal and state wage & hour rules (FLSA, overtime, worker classifications).

- Experience working in a high‑volume or multi‑entity environment.

- High proficiency with payroll systems (ADP, UKG, Paychex, Paylocity, Workday, or similar).

- Strong Excel skills and comfort working with large datasets.

- Exceptional accuracy, attention to detail, and confidentiality.

Preferred

- Experience in a PE‑backed or high‑growth environment.

- Experience with onboarding newly acquired entities into payroll.

- Understanding of benefit deductions, retirement plan contributions, and year‑end processes.

- CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or FPC certification is a plus.

Competencies

- Accuracy & attention to detail: Zero‑error mindset for payroll data.

- Customer service orientation: Clear, empathetic communication with employees.

- Process mindset: Ability to streamline workflows and improve payroll efficiency.

- Confidentiality: Handles sensitive employee information with discretion.

- Problem‑solving: Quickly identifies and resolves discrepancies.

What Success Looks Like

- Payroll is processed 100% accurately and delivered on time—every cycle.

- Employees trust payroll data and experience minimal issues.

- Strong compliance posture with clean internal and external audits.

- Efficient, scalable payroll processes and systems across all entities.

- Seamless onboarding of newly acquired companies into payroll operations.

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