Payroll Specialist

Cetera Financial Group Inc; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Cetera Financial Group Inc is seeking a Payroll Specialist to support accurate payroll processing for approximately 3,000 multistate employees. The role focuses on employee inquiries, payroll data administration, and compliance.

The ideal candidate will have strong customer service skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced environment. Experience in payroll or HR operations is preferred.

Qualifications

• Strong customer service skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as first contact for payroll inquiries.
• Process employee updates including direct deposits.
• Assist Senior Payroll Specialist with pre-payroll audits.

Skills

Customer service skills

Attention to detail

Ability to manage priorities

Tools

Excel

Job description

The Payroll Specialist supports the accurate and timely processing of payroll for approximately 3,000 multistate employees. This role performs a variety of payroll support functions that may include time & attendance (T&A) review, absence administration, employee inquiry resolution, payroll data updates, and routine payroll corrections.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Support (Primary Focus)

• Serve as first point of contact for payroll inquiries from employees and managers.
• Respond to questions regarding paychecks, taxes, deductions, and earnings statements.
• Manage payroll ticketing system and resolve issues within established SLAs.

Payroll Data Administration

• Process employee updates including direct deposits, W‑4 changes, tax withholding updates, address changes, and basic pay changes.
• Audit employee data for completeness and accuracy.
• Assist with retro pay calculations and payroll corrections.
• Monitor daily timecard activity and follow up to system discrepancies.

Payroll Processing Support

• Assist Senior Payroll Specialist with pre‑payroll audits, validations, and reconciliations.
• Support bonus and variable compensation processing by preparing files, validating inputs, and assisting with imports.
• Assist with off‑cycle check requests and payment corrections as needed.

Compliance & Recordkeeping

• Maintain accurate documentation of payroll changes and approvals.
• Support payroll audit initiatives by providing requested information and reports.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and federal/state/local regulations.

Project & M&A Support

• Assist with data cleanup and validation during system changes or acquisitions.
• Participate in testing activities for system enhancements and updates.

Qualifications

Required:

• Strong customer service skills
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment

Preferred:

• Experience with basic Excel formulas
• Exposure to payroll, timekeeping, or HR operations
• Knowledge of multistate wage and tax rules
• Prior payroll experience
• Prior experience handling payroll tickets or employee inquiries

Core Competencies

• Customer focus
• Detail orientation
• Communication
• Problem solving
• Data accuracy
• Team collaboration