Payroll Specialist

ATR International; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

ATR International seeks a detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to join our team. You will support accurate and timely payroll processing while learning payroll systems, procedures, and compliance requirements for employees across multiple states.

The ideal candidate is curious, resourceful, and comfortable asking questions, with training provided. No prior payroll experience required, making this a strong entry-to-mid level opportunity within a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in a related field (see above).
• Strong attention to detail and comfort with numbers and data.
• Analytical and creative problem-solving skills, including discrepancy investigations.
• Curiosity, initiative, and willingness to learn payroll systems and complex requirements.
• Ability to follow procedures while identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage deadlines and priorities.
• Clear written and verbal communication and a collaborative approach.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel (formulas, sorting, filtering).
• Discretion handling sensitive information.

Responsibilities

• Assist with payroll processing for hourly and salaried employees, including client assignments.
• Review time records and payroll inputs for accuracy and completeness.
• Research discrepancies and collaborate to resolve issues.
• Support deductions, garnishments, adjustments, and off-cycle payments as needed.
• Learn and follow federal, state, and local payroll requirements and procedures.
• Assist with payroll reconciliations, reporting, tax documentation, and audit prep.
• Respond to employee payroll questions professionally and escalate complex issues.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance and other teams to gather information.
• Identify opportunities to simplify workflows and reduce errors.
• Support payroll system testing, updates and process documentation.
• Maintain confidentiality and accuracy of payroll records.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Curiosity and initiative

Communication skills

Discretion with sensitive information

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

We are seeking a detail-oriented, analytical Payroll Specialist to join our team.

You will support accurate and timely payroll processing while learning payroll systems, procedures, and compliance requirements for employees across multiple states. The ideal candidate is curious, resourceful, comfortable asking questions, and able to think beyond established routines to suggest practical improvements. Prior payroll or multi-state experience is not required; training will be provided.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with payroll processing for hourly and salaried employees, including employees on client assignments.
• Review time records, payroll inputs, and employee information for accuracy and completeness.
• Research discrepancies, ask thoughtful questions, and work with team members to resolve issues.
• Support the processing of deductions, garnishments, adjustments, and off-cycle payments under appropriate guidance.
• Learn and follow federal, state, and local payroll requirements and established procedures.
• Assist with payroll reconciliations, reporting, tax documentation, and audit preparation.
• Respond to employee payroll questions professionally and es calate complex issues as needed.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and other teams to gather information and address payroll concerns.
• Identify opportunities to simplify workflows, reduce errors, and improve the employee experience.
• Support payroll system testing, updates, and process documentation.
• Maintain the confidentiality and accuracy of employee and payroll records.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field.
• Strong attention to detail and comfort working with numbers and reviewing data.
• Analytical and creative problem-solving skills, including the ability to investigate discrepancies and consider alternative solutions.
• Curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to learn new systems and complex requirements.
• Ability to follow established procedures while recognizing opportunities for improvement.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage deadlines and competing priorities.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills and a collaborative approach.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, including basic formulas, sorting, and filtering.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Internship, coursework, or work experience involving accounting, finance, HR, payroll, or data analysis.
• Familiarity with payroll, HRIS, timekeeping, or accounting systems.
• Experience using Excel to organize, compare, or reconcile data.
• Exposure to staffing, recruiting, or another deadline-driven service environment.