Payroll & Compensation Specialist

Vision Finanacial Group; Des Moines, Northern (IA, KY); On-site; USD 36,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthy benefits package

PTO and paid holidays

Volunteer time off

Parental leave

401(k) plan

Job summary

Paylocity is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll & Compensation Specialist in Des Moines, IA, with a hybrid work arrangement combining in-office and remote collaboration. You will own end-to-end payroll processing and manage complex co-advisor compensation structures, reporting to the Assistant Controller and partnering with leadership to ensure accuracy and compliance.

The role emphasizes multi-state payroll, bonus calculations, and adherence to tax regulations, supported by strong Excel and

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of payroll and compensation administration experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or equivalent.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and major payroll platforms (ADP, Workday, Paylocity, Gusto).
• CPP designation is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Process semi-monthly multi-state payroll for regular and variable-pay employees with deadlines and regulations.
• Audit payroll inputs including timecards, withholdings, garnishments, and deductions.
• Reconcile payroll registers and coordinate with Accounting on GL postings and accruals.
• Calculate and administer bonus payouts and commission splits for co-advisors.
• Maintain payout schedules, ratios, and performance metrics for co-advisors.
• Resolve discrepancies or inquiries regarding co-advisor payouts.

Skills

Payroll processing

Analytical

Attention to detail

Communication

Confidential data handling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance/Business Administration

CPP designation a plus

Tools

ADP

Workday

Paylocity

Gusto

Excel

Job description

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 inDes 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.