Payroll Processor - Contract-to-Hire

TitlePayroll Processor (Contract-to-Hire) — Remote (MI or PA only) — ~5 hrs/week (growing)About the RoleI run a small bookkeeping firm supporting small businesses and nonprofits. I’m looking for an experienced, detail-oriented Payroll Processor to take ownership of multi-client payroll processing and related payroll admin.This is a contract-to-hire role (not guaranteed permanent). The contract period is expected to be 3–6 months, after which we’ll review fit and workload for a potential move to a permanent part-time employee role.Location requirement: Must be US-based and located in Michigan (MI) or Pennsylvania (PA) for the contract phase and potential hire.Schedule: Remote and flexible hours, but you must be reliably available around payroll processing deadlines and have some weekday availability (clients are generally Mon–Fri, 9–5).Hours: Approximately 5 hours/week to start, with the potential for more as we grow.Pay: $20–$25/hour (DOE)Background check: RequiredNo agencies.ResponsibilitiesYou’ll support multiple clients and payroll schedules (weekly, biweekly, semi-monthly, and monthly), plus contractor payments that may follow a different timing than payroll.Key responsibilities include:Payroll Processing & MaintenanceRun full-cycle payroll accurately and on time across multiple client accountsSet up and maintain new hires, employee changes, and terminationsProcess adjustments, corrections, and off-cycle payrollsSet up and manage garnishments (as needed)Enter and maintain benefits/deductions within payroll systemsSupport PTO tracking and accrual setup/maintenance where applicableReconciliation / Accuracy / ReportingReconcile payroll activity to client books (as applicable) and ensure payroll entries are correctReview payroll tax forms and filings to confirm they are accurate and submittedIdentify missing filings or issues and take appropriate next steps to resolve themCompliance & Problem-SolvingResearch and follow state payroll requirements (including multi-state considerations)Help clients understand what’s needed for compliance and, when necessary, support manual filing guidanceClient Support & Vendor CoordinationCommunicate professionally with clients to collect needed info, answer payroll questions, and resolve issuesProvide tax notice support (triage, respond, and coordinate resolution)Contact payroll providers (e.g., Gusto, ADP, QBO Payroll) as needed for troubleshooting and escalationsYear-End & Special ProjectsSupport year-end processes including W-2 and 1099 workflowsSupport workers’ comp audits and related payroll documentation requestsSystems We UseExperience with one or more is required; strong candidates can ramp quickly across tools:GustoADPQuickBooks Online Payroll (QBO Payroll)Requirements (Must Have)1+ year payroll processing experience (strong preference for 3+ years)Demonstrated experience running payroll end-to-end (not just data entry)Comfortable working in a multi-client environment with varied pay schedules and deadlinesKnowledge of:Multi-state payroll basics and how to research requirements by statecommissions and bonusesgarnishmentsPTO and accrual conceptsbenefits/deduction setup inside payroll systemsStrong attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines consistentlyClear, professional client communication (written and verbal)US-based and residing in MI or PAWilling to complete a background checkNo agenciesNice to HaveExperience working at a bookkeeping/accounting firm or supporting multiple client payrolls concurrentlyExperience with nonprofits (including grant allocation awareness)FPC or CPP certification (not required)Comfort owning payroll clean-up projects and improving processes/SOPsAbout Working With Me / Our TeamWe’re a small team with predictable deadlines that are tracked, and we value:Autonomy: you’re trusted to manage your work without micromanagementResponsiveness: clients need timely answers during the workweekHigh standards: payroll deadlines can’t be missed, and accuracy mattersIf you like clear expectations, steady workflow, and being treated like a capable professional, you’ll fit well here.Contract-to-Hire Details (Please Read)This role starts as contract with the intent to hire, but permanent employment is not guaranteed. After 3–6 months, we’ll review:quality and accuracyreliability with deadlinescommunication/responsivenessworkload needs and growthHow to Apply (LinkedIn Only)Please apply through LinkedIn (no direct emails, please). In your application, include:A resume (PDF preferred)A short note covering:Your payroll experience (years + types of payroll schedules you’ve handled)Which systems you’ve used (Gusto/ADP/QBO Payroll and any others)Your state of residence (MI or PA) and your typical weekday availabilityYour desired hourly rate within $20–$25/hrApplications missing MI/PA location and payroll system experience may not be considered.