Payroll Specialist

About the Role

PuzzleHR is a specialized HR-as-a-Service firm that provides outsourced HR solutions, including benefits administration, compliance, leave management, and talent acquisition to growing businesses. As a Payroll Specialist, you will be an essential part of their service team, managing the end-to-end payroll lifecycle for various clients using advanced HCM platforms. The role requires a professional who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and is committed to operational excellence, process standardization, and high-quality client support.

Requirements

• The ideal candidate brings two to four years of direct vendor-specific payroll processing experience and a solid understanding of payroll principles and procedures.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel is essential, particularly regarding the ability to audit, manipulate, and reconcile large data sets using functions such as VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, SUMIFS, COUNTIFS, and pivot tables.
• Candidates should possess strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively manage client-facing interactions and resolve complex inquiries.
• Success in this role requires the ability to navigate multiple payrolls simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment while maintaining high levels of accuracy.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills are necessary to develop client-specific standard operating procedures.
• While a bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred, equivalent professional experience is welcome.
• Familiarity with benefits and earnings configuration, as well as prior experience in client onboarding or implementation, is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• The Payroll Specialist is responsible for managing end-to-end payroll processing for multiple clients through vendor-specific platforms.
• Core duties include auditing payroll data for accuracy across earnings, deductions, and accruals, and performing balance checks to ensure error-free outcomes.
• You will manage necessary changes such as new hires, terminations, compensation adjustments, and the processing of off-cycle payments, bonuses, or retroactive adjustments.
• Beyond routine processing, you will support payroll imports and timekeeping data reviews while actively partnering with clients to validate inputs.
• The role also involves documenting payroll workflows and calendars, analyzing current client procedures to recommend process improvements, and maintaining detailed standard operating procedures for various accounts.
• You will participate in payroll system optimizations and collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve payroll discrepancies, ensuring high standards of data integrity and service delivery.