Payroll Specialist

Software Placement Group; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Job summary

Software Placement Group in Carlsbad, CA seeks an experienced Payroll Specialist for a high-touch, client-facing role covering both new client implementation and ongoing payroll processing in a hybrid, full-time environment.

You will manage payroll for an assigned portfolio, review data for accuracy, resolve issues, and serve as a trusted contact to ensure timely, accurate payrolls and strong client relationships.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on payroll experience, including biweekly payroll processing
• Experience receiving and reviewing client payroll data through completed payroll processing
• Strong understanding of payroll processes and calculations
• Ability to recognize when payroll information or results do not look correct and investigate why
• Experience troubleshooting payroll discrepancies and resolving client questions
• Strong customer service and relationship-building skills
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and time management
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn payroll technology quickly

Responsibilities

• Manage payroll processing for an assigned portfolio of clients, including recurring biweekly payrolls
• Receive, review, and validate payroll information submitted by clients
• Understand how employee changes, compensation, deductions, benefits, and other payroll inputs affect the final payroll
• Review payroll reports and system output for accuracy and identify discrepancies or unusual results
• Research and resolve payroll issues by understanding the root cause rather than relying solely on the payroll system
• Ensure payrolls are completed accurately and on schedule
• Maintain accurate client records and documentation
• Serve as a trusted point of contact for assigned clients, providing a proactive, white-glove client experience
• Gather payroll information, clarify questions, and ensure client deadlines are met
• Anticipate potential issues and communicate proactively before they become payroll problems
• Take ownership of client questions and issues through resolution and develop strong, long-term client relationships
• Assist with onboarding and implementation of new payroll clients
• Gather, organize, and validate client and employee information required for payroll setup
• Identify and resolve issues during implementation and support a smooth transition into ongoing payroll services
• Develop an understanding of each client's unique payroll processes and requirements
• Work closely with internal payroll and other departments to resolve client issues and ensure accurate service
• Partner with the company's dedicated payroll tax team when tax-related matters require their expertise (this position is not responsible for payroll tax filings)
• Stay current on payroll practices, systems, and requirements relevant to the role

Skills

Payroll processing

Client service

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Adaptability

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location: Carlsbad, CA | Schedule: Full-Time, Hybrid

Overview

A well-established company is seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist to join its payroll team in a client-facing role that goes beyond simply entering data into a payroll system. This is a high-touch, white-glove client service position covering both new client implementation and ongoing payroll processing, ideal for someone who understands the full process behind payroll and is looking for long-term career growth within a payroll organization.

What you'll do

• Manage payroll processing for an assigned portfolio of clients, including recurring biweekly payrolls
• Receive, review, and validate payroll information submitted by clients
• Understand how employee changes, compensation, deductions, benefits, and other payroll inputs affect the final payroll
• Review payroll reports and system output for accuracy and identify discrepancies or unusual results
• Research and resolve payroll issues by understanding the root cause rather than relying solely on the payroll system
• Ensure payrolls are completed accurately and on schedule
• Maintain accurate client records and documentation
• Serve as a trusted point of contact for assigned clients, providing a proactive, white-glove client experience
• Gather payroll information, clarify questions, and ensure client deadlines are met
• Anticipate potential issues and communicate proactively before they become payroll problems
• Take ownership of client questions and issues through resolution and develop strong, long-term client relationships
• Assist with onboarding and implementation of new payroll clients
• Gather, organize, and validate client and employee information required for payroll setup
• Identify and resolve issues during implementation and support a smooth transition into ongoing payroll services
• Develop an understanding of each client's unique payroll processes and requirements
• Work closely with internal payroll and other departments to resolve client issues and ensure accurate service
• Partner with the company's dedicated payroll tax team when tax-related matters require their expertise (this position is not responsible for payroll tax filings)
• Stay current on payroll practices, systems, and requirements relevant to the role

Required qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on payroll experience, including biweekly payroll processing at a minimum
• Experience receiving and reviewing client payroll data through completed payroll processing
• Strong understanding of payroll processes and calculations
• Ability to recognize when payroll information or results do not look correct and investigate why
• Experience troubleshooting payroll discrepancies and resolving client questions
• Strong customer service and relationship-building skills
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and time management
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn payroll technology quickly

Compensation and benefits

• Benefits and health insurance

Why this role

This position offers strong opportunities for professional development and advancement, with the potential to take on more complex clients, increased responsibility, and future senior or leadership opportunities as the candidate develops their payroll expertise.