Payroll Specialist

PAYROLL SPECIALIST – CLIENT SERVICES & IMPLEMENTATION

Location: Carlsbad, CA | Hybrid
Department: Payroll
Reports To: Payroll Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time

POSITION SUMMARY

A well-established company in Carlsbad is seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist to join its payroll team. This is a client-facing role for someone who understands payroll beyond simply entering data into a payroll system.

The ideal candidate understands the process behind the technology — how payroll data is received and reviewed, how information flows through the payroll process, how to identify discrepancies, and how to ensure payroll is accurate and complete.

This is a high-touch, white-glove client service role involving both new client implementation and ongoing payroll processing. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with biweekly payroll at a minimum, strong attention to detail, and the ability to proactively identify and resolve issues.

This is also an excellent opportunity for someone looking for long-term career growth and advancement within the payroll organization.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Payroll Processing

• Manage payroll processing for an assigned portfolio of clients, including recurring biweekly payrolls.

• Receive, review, and validate payroll information submitted by clients.

• Understand how employee changes, compensation, deductions, benefits, and other payroll inputs affect the final payroll.

• Review payroll reports and system output for accuracy and identify discrepancies or unusual results.

• Research and resolve payroll issues by understanding the root cause rather than simply relying on the payroll system.

• Ensure payrolls are completed accurately and on schedule.

• Maintain accurate client records and documentation.

Client Service

• Serve as a trusted point of contact for assigned clients.

• Provide a white-glove, proactive client experience through responsive communication and attention to detail.

• Gather payroll information, clarify questions, and ensure client deadlines are met.

• Anticipate potential issues and communicate proactively before they become payroll problems.

• Take ownership of client questions and issues through resolution.

• Develop strong, long-term client relationships.

Implementation

• Assist with onboarding and implementation of new payroll clients.

• Gather, organize, and validate client and employee information required for payroll setup.

• Identify and resolve issues during implementation and support a smooth transition into ongoing payroll services.

• Develop an understanding of each client's unique payroll processes and requirements.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with internal payroll and other departments to resolve client issues and ensure accurate service.

• Partner with the company's dedicated payroll tax team when tax-related matters require their expertise. This position is not responsible for payroll tax filings.

• Stay current on payroll practices, systems, and requirements relevant to the role.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 2+ years of hands-on payroll experience, including biweekly payroll processing at a minimum.

• Experience receiving and reviewing client payroll data through completed payroll processing.

• Strong understanding of payroll processes and calculations.

• Ability to recognize when payroll information or results do not look correct and investigate why.

• Experience troubleshooting payroll discrepancies and resolving client questions.

• Strong customer service and relationship-building skills.

• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and time management.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn payroll technology quickly.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate understands payroll, not just payroll software.

You should be able to look at payroll data, understand what you are seeing, ask the right questions, identify potential problems, and determine what needs to happen to produce an accurate payroll. You are proactive, accountable, comfortable working directly with clients, and take pride in providing an exceptional level of service.

OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH

This position offers strong opportunities for professional development and advancement. As the successful candidate develops their payroll expertise and demonstrates leadership, there is potential to take on more complex clients, increased responsibility, and future senior or leadership opportunities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is a hybrid position based in Carlsbad, CA. The role is deadline-driven and requires strong organization, communication, accountability, and the ability to manage multiple client priorities.