Payroll Implementation Specialist (WFN)

Baker Tilly US; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Baker Tilly US is seeking a Payroll Implementation Specialist to configure and implement ADP Workforce Now for new clients. You will translate payroll requirements into system solutions, ensuring accurate setup and testing for a smooth transition to ongoing services.

The ideal candidate has 3–5+ years of payroll experience, with strong knowledge of ADP Workforce Now, tax rules, data handling, and client communication. This role is based in Milwaukee and involves hands‑on system work.

Qualifications

• Experience with payroll system implementations or configuration.
• Strong understanding of payroll processes and taxsettings.
• Ability to map and validate data for payroll deployments.

Responsibilities

• Configure and implement ADP Workforce Now for new clients, aligning with client requirements.
• Collaborate with Project Manager to execute plans, timelines, and deliverables.
• Perform data mapping, validation, and data migration support for go‑live.

Skills

Payroll systems

ADP Workforce Now

Tax regulations knowledge

Excel data handling

Communication skills

Organization

Problem solving

CPP certification in progress

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, HR, Accounting, or related field

Tools

ADP Workforce Now

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Overview

Baker Tilly is a leading advisory, tax and assurance firm, providing clients with a genuine coast-to-coast and global advantage in major regions of the U.S. and in many of the world’s leading financial centers – New York, London, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Boston. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and Baker Tilly US, LLP (Baker Tilly) provide professional services through an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and applicable laws, regulations and professional standards. Baker Tilly US, LLP is a licensed independent CPA firm that provides attest services to its clients. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and its subsidiary entities provide tax and business advisory services to their clients. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and its subsidiary entities are not licensed CPA firms.

Overview

Baker Tilly is a leading advisory, tax and assurance firm, providing clients with a genuine coast-to-coast and global advantage in major regions of the U.S. and in many of the world’s leading financial centers – New York, London, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Boston. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and Baker Tilly US, LLP (Baker Tilly) provide professional services through an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and applicable laws, regulations and professional standards. Baker Tilly US, LLP is a licensed independent CPA firm that provides attest services to its clients. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and its subsidiary entities provide tax and business advisory services to their clients. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and its subsidiary entities are not licensed CPA firms.

Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and Baker Tilly US, LLP, trading as Baker Tilly, are independent members of Baker Tilly International, a worldwide network of independent accounting and business advisory firms in 141 territories, with 43,000 professionals and a combined worldwide revenue of $5.2 billion. Visit bakertilly.com or join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

Please discuss the work location status with your Baker Tilly talent acquisition professional to understand the requirements for an opportunity you are exploring.

Baker Tilly is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable federal, state or local law.

Any unsolicited resumes submitted through our website or to Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP, employee e-mail accounts are considered property of Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP, and are not subject to payment of agency fees. In order to be an authorized recruitment agency ("search firm") for Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP, there must be a formal written agreement in place and the agency must be invited, by Baker Tilly's Talent Attraction team, to submit candidates for review via our applicant tracking system.

Job Description

As a Payroll Implementation Specialist within our Human Resources & Payroll Outsourcing team, you will play a key role in configuring and implementing ADP Workforce Now (WFN) for new clients. You’ll work closely with the Project Manager and clients to translate payroll requirements into system solutions, ensuring accurate setup, successful testing, and a smooth transition to ongoing payroll processing and/or support services.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands‑on system work, problem-solving, and bringing payroll operations to life through technology.

What You’ll Do

• Support end-to-end payroll system implementations for new clients across the ADP Workforce Now (WFN) autopay platform
• Configure WFN based on client requirements, including earnings, deductions, tax settings, and employee data
• Partner with the Project Manager to execute implementation plans, timelines, and deliverables
• Gather and document client payroll requirements, processes, and data needs
• Perform data mapping, data validation, and support data migration activities
• Develop and write calculations to deliver to the ADP team for upload on the mainframe
• Execute system testing, including payroll parallel testing, and resolve discrepancies
• Identify and troubleshoot setup issues, escalating complex challenges to ADP as needed and ensuring quick and accurate resolution
• Support integration setup with third‑party systems as applicable to each client (e.g., benefits, timekeeping, general ledger)
• Assist in developing and delivering client training on payroll system functionality and processes
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of system configuration prior to client go‑live
• Support the transition of clients from implementation to ongoing service teams

What You Bring

• 3–5+ years of payroll experience, with exposure to payroll system implementations or system configuration
• Experience with ADP platforms (Workforce Now) strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of payroll processes, tax regulations, and system workflows
• Experience with payroll data, including employee records, tax setup, and payroll calculations
• Ability to troubleshoot system and payroll issues with strong attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data handling (data mapping, validation, etc.)
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to explain system processes to clients
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification strongly preferred (or in progress)
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, HR, Accounting, or related field (or equivalent experience)

How You’ll Succeed

• Take a detail‑oriented, hands‑on approach to system configuration and implementation
• Collaborate