Payroll Specialist — Multi-Client / PEO Experience
About the RoleWe're looking for a detail-driven Payroll Specialist to join our Quality Payroll & Benefits team. As a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), we manage payroll for a diverse book of client companies across multiple states, which means no two days look quite the same. You'll be the person making sure thousands of worksite employees are paid accurately and on time, every time, and you'll be a trusted resource for clients navigating the complexities of multi-state payroll.What Success Looks LikeIn this role, success means payrolls run cleanly and on schedule, clients trust you with their toughest questions, and compliance issues are caught before they become problems. Within your first 90 days, you'll be independently processing your assigned client book. Within six months, you'll be confidently handling complex scenarios such as multi-state taxation, garnishments, retro adjustments and contributing ideas that make the team better.How This Role Fits InYou'll report to the Payroll Manager and work alongside a collaborative team of payroll and benefits professionals. You'll partner closely with our Benefits, HR, and Implementation teams to deliver a seamless experience to clients. This role is foundational to our service promise... when payroll runs smoothly, everything else follows.ResponsibilitiesProcess accurate, on-time payrolls for an assigned book of multi-state clients, including regular, off-cycle, bonus, and final pay runsCalculate wages, overtime, commissions, retroactive pay, and PTO accruals in accordance with FLSA and applicable state wage lawsAdminister payroll deductions including taxes, benefit premiums, 401(k) contributions, garnishments, and child support ordersReconcile payroll registers and resolve discrepancies prior to funding and transmissionProcess federal, state, and local payroll tax deposits and filings (941, 940, state withholding, SUTA), and prepare year-end forms (W-2, W-2c, 1099)Maintain accurate employee records, including new hires, terminations, status changes, direct deposit, and tax withholding updatesRespond to client and worksite employee inquiries regarding paychecks, deductions, and PTO balances within established service-level timeframesPartner with the Benefits team on deduction setup, qualifying life events, and reconciliation of benefit-related payroll itemsSupport workers' compensation, 401(k), and client-requested audits with documentation and reportingStay current on multi-state payroll tax law changes, minimum wage updates, and PEO-specific compliance requirementsIdentify and recommend process improvements that reduce errors and elevate the client experienceMaintain strict confidentiality of sensitive employee and client dataQualificationsRequired2+ years of full-cycle payroll processing experienceWorking knowledge of multi-state payroll tax laws, wage and hour regulations, and federal compliance requirementsProficiency with payroll software and Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, formulas)Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex payroll concepts to non-payroll audiencesStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detailAbility to manage competing deadlines in a fast-paced, client-service environmentHigh school diploma or equivalentPreferredFundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designationAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, Human Resources, or a related fieldPrior experience in a PEO, payroll service bureau, or multi-client environmentExperience processing payroll across 10+ statesFamiliarity with Microsoft Teams and modern HRIS/payroll platformsWhat We OfferComprehensive health, HSA, dental, and vision benefits401(k) with company matchPaid time off and paid holidaysProfessional development support, including FPC/CPP exam reimbursementA collaborative team that genuinely enjoys working together