Payroll & Compensation Specialist

Financial Integrators; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 35,818,000 - 42,706,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental & Vision

401(k) Plan

PTO

Parental Leave

Job summary

Financial Integrators is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll & Compensation Specialist to manage end-to-end payroll processing and complex compensation structures, focusing on co-advisor bonuses and variable pay. You will be the payroll SME, ensuring accurate and timely disbursements while coordinating with leadership and accounting.

The role is based in Des Moines, IA with a hybrid schedule. Ideal candidates have 3–5+ years of payroll/compensation experience, strong Excel skills, and familiarity

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years in payroll and compensation administration.
• Experience with commission/bonus models for financial advisors or co-advisors preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance/Business or equivalent experience.
• CPP designation is a plus.
• Advanced Excel skills (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, nested logic).
• Experience with major payroll platforms (ADP, Workday, Paylocity, Gusto).

Responsibilities

• Process semi-monthly multi-state payroll for regular and variable-pay employees.
• Audit payroll inputs: timecards, tax withholdings, wage garnishments, deductions.
• Reconcile payroll registers; assist with GL postings and payroll accruals.
• Calculate and administer bonus payouts; manage co-advisor commission splits.
• Maintain payout schedules, split ratios, and performance metrics for co-advisors.
• Resolve payroll payout inquiries clearly and timely.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local payroll/tax regulations (FLSA).
• Assist month-end close, payroll audits, and year-end reporting (W‑2s, 1099s, 941).
• Generate ad-hoc compensation reports for leadership.

Skills

Payroll Operations

Multi-state Payroll

Bonus/Commission

Timecard Audits

Garnishments

Benefits Deductions

GL Reconciliations

Excel Proficiency

Payroll Systems

Analytical Thinking

Education

Bachelor’s in Accounting/Finance/Business

CPP designation (a plus)

Tools

ADP

Workday

Paylocity

Gusto

Job description

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Payroll & Compensation Specialist to oversee the end-to-end processing of company payroll and manage complex compensation structures. Operating with a primary focus on variable pay and bonus calculations for co-advisors, you will serve as the main subject matter expert for payroll operations and co-advisor compensation models. Reporting directly to the Assistant Controller, this role ensures accurate, compliant, and timely disbursements while partnering closely with leadership and accounting to maintain alignment across our financial operations.

Location

This position is based in Des Moines, IA. A hybrid work schedule is available, with a mix of in-office and remote work to support collaboration, flexibility, and business needs.

What You’ll Do

Payroll Operations

• Process semi-monthly multi-state payroll for regular and variable-pay employees with strict adherence to deadlines and regulations.
• Audit payroll inputs, including timecards, tax withholdings, wage garnishments, and benefit deductions.
• Reconcile payroll registers prior to transmission and partner with Accounting on general ledger postings and payroll accruals.

Co-Advisor Bonus & Variable Compensation

• Calculate, audit, and administer regular bonus payouts and commission splits specifically tailored to co-advisor agreements.
• Partner with team leads to maintain accurate payout schedules, split ratios, and performance metrics for co-advisors.
• Resolve discrepancies or inquiries regarding co-advisor payouts in a clear, supportive, and timely manner.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and tax regulations (e.g., FLSA, tax withholdings).
• Assist the Assistant Controller with month-end close processes, payroll audits, and preparation of year-end reporting (Form W-2s, 1099s, 941 reconciliations).
• Generate ad-hoc compensation reports and analytics for leadership to evaluate payout structures and labor costs.

What’s in it for you?

We provide a total rewards package focused on your health, family, and financial security. This includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision options alongside company-paid disability and life insurance. We support your work-life balance with PTO, paid holidays, volunteer time off, and paid parental leave. Finally, we invest in your future through a 401(k) plan and a robust Employee Assistance Program for professional support.

Compensation

The anticipated pay range for this position is $26.00-$31.00 per hour, based on your level of experience and technical expertise.

Requirements

• 3–5+ years of dedicated payroll and compensation administration experience. Prior experience handling commission/bonus models for financial advisors or co-advisors is strongly preferred. Financial industry experience is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or equivalent practical experience (preferred). Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation is a plus.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, nested logic formulas for payout structures) and experience working within major payroll platforms (e.g., ADP, Workday, Paylocity, or Gusto).
• Exceptional attention to detail, strong analytical capability, high degree of discretion handling confidential data, and clear communication skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time in an office environment.
• Working on a computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 15 pounds.