Client Payroll Specialist

Law Firm; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Smart Financial Solutions for Law Firms is seeking a Client Payroll Specialist to oversee day-to-day payroll processing for legal-industry clients. You will manage client relationships, ensure accuracy and timeliness of payroll runs, and support compliance across multi-state payroll.

You will onboard clients to Gusto Payroll and our internal systems, configure deductions and benefits, and address client questions with professional communication.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of payroll experience, preferably within a CPA firm or professional services environment.
• Strong working knowledge of payroll compliance, payroll taxes, benefits, and multi-state payroll.
• Hands-on experience with Gusto Payroll preferred.
• Proven ability to manage multiple client payrolls and deadlines independently.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• High attention to detail with a client-service mindset.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for clients, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Review payroll data, process payroll runs, and resolve payroll discrepancies
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned payroll clients
• Lead client onboarding to Gusto Payroll and internal systems
• Configure payroll settings, deductions, benefits, and tax profiles
• Guide clients through state payroll and employer registration requirements
• Ensure payroll setups and processing comply with federal, state, and local regulations
• Assist with payroll tax notices, benefits corrections, and 401(k) audits
• Research and resolve payroll issues independently, escalating complex matters when necessary
• Collaborate with payroll team members to manage deadlines and workload
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes and client experience
• Assist with training and mentoring junior payroll staff
• Conduct regular client check-ins and proactively address payroll needs
• Identify opportunities to expand services in coordination with firm leadership (no external sales responsibility)

Skills

Payroll compliance

Multi-state payroll

Gusto Payroll

Client management

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Job description

Client Payroll SpecialistSmart Financial Solutions for Law Firms

Client Payroll Specialist

Position Overview

The Client Payroll Specialist is responsible for overseeing day-to-day payroll processing for legal-industry clients, managing client relationships, ensuring compliance, and supporting process improvements across the payroll function.

Key Responsibilities

Client Payroll Management

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for clients, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Review payroll data, process payroll runs, and resolve payroll discrepancies
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned payroll clients

Client Communication & Support

• Monitor and manage a shared payroll inbox, ensuring timely, professional responses to client inquiries
• Triage incoming payroll requests and issues, resolving items directly or escalating as appropriate
• Maintain clear and organized communication with clients regarding payroll deadlines, changes, and issues

Client Onboarding & Support

• Lead client onboarding to Gusto Payroll and CPN Legal’s internal systems
• Configure payroll settings, deductions, benefits, and tax profiles
• Guide clients through state payroll and employer registration requirements

Compliance & Issue Resolution

• Ensure payroll setups and processing comply with federal, state, and local regulations
• Assist with payroll tax notices, benefits corrections, and 401(k) audits
• Research and resolve payroll issues independently, escalating complex matters when necessary

Collaboration & Process Improvement

• Collaborate with payroll team members to manage deadlines and workload
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes and client experience
• Assist with training and mentoring junior payroll staff

Client Relationship Development

• Conduct regular client check-ins and proactively address payroll needs
• Identify opportunities to expand services in coordination with firm leadership (no external sales responsibility)

Qualifications & Experience

• 5+ years of payroll experience, preferably within a CPA firm or professional services environment
• Strong working knowledge of payroll compliance, payroll taxes, benefits, and multi-state payroll
• Hands-on experience with Gusto Payroll preferred
• Proven ability to manage multiple client payrolls and deadlines independently
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills
• High attention to detail with a client-service mindset