Payroll Specialists

Balance Financial Management; Santa Barbara (CA); Remote; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Balance Financial Management is a strategic finance partner delivering CFO-level support to startups, nonprofits, and businesses with a focus on accuracy, transparency, and security. The Payroll Specialist role is full-time, remote, and based in Santa Barbara, CA, handling payroll for multiple clients with attention to tax laws and system improvements.

You will collect timekeeping data, calculate wages and deductions, maintain records, and collaborate with accounting and HR to resolve

Qualifications

• Experience with payroll processing including timekeeping, wage calculations, deductions and benefits.
• Solid knowledge of payroll laws, tax compliance, and multi-jurisdiction best practices.
• Proficiency with payroll software and accounting systems; strong Excel skills.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage deadlines across multiple clients.
• Effective written and verbal communication; professional handling of inquiries.
• Collaborative work style; maintain confidentiality and sound judgment on sensitive data.
• Prior experience in accounting, finance, or professional services preferred.
• Degree in Accounting/Finance/Business or equivalent experience; CPP/FPC is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for multiple clients.
• Collect and verify timekeeping data and calculate wages, deductions, and benefits.
• Maintain payroll records and respond to inquiries from employees and clients.
• Collaborate with accounting and HR to resolve discrepancies and support audits.
• Stay current with tax laws and compliance; prepare payroll reports and year-end tasks.
• Assist with payroll system improvements and implementations.

Skills

Payroll processing

Timekeeping

Wage calculations

Deductions and benefits

Tax compliance knowledge

Multi-jurisdiction payroll

Payroll software proficiency

Excel skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s in Accounting/Finance/Business

CPP or FPC certification (plus)

Tools

Payroll software

Accounting systems

Job description

Company Description

Balance Financial Management is a strategic finance partner that integrates directly into client organizations to deliver services ranging from CFO-level support to day-to-day accounting. The team works with startups, large for-profit companies, small businesses, and nonprofits, providing customized financial solutions that prioritize accuracy, transparency, and sustainable growth. Ethical financial management is central to the company's culture, guided by a focus on people, sound financial philosophy, and best practices. Balance emphasizes data transparency, rigorous compliance, and robust security to help clients make informed decisions and protect their financial information.

Role Description

The Payroll Specialist is a full-time (will consider part time), remote role based in Santa Barbara, CA. This role is responsible for managing end-to-end payroll processing for multiple clients, including collecting and verifying timekeeping data, calculating wages, deductions, and benefits, and ensuring timely and accurate payroll runs. The Payroll Specialist will maintain payroll records, respond to employee and client inquiries, and collaborate with accounting and HR teams to resolve discrepancies and support audits. Daily tasks include staying current with tax laws and compliance requirements, preparing payroll reports, assisting with year-end processes, and supporting the implementation of payroll system improvements. The role also involves contributing to a culture of ethical financial management and providing service that aligns with Balance's standards for accuracy, transparency, and security.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with payroll processing, including timekeeping, wage calculations, deductions, and benefits administration.
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws and regulations, tax compliance, and best practices in multi-jurisdiction payroll.
• Proficiency with payroll software and accounting systems, along with solid Excel skills and comfort working with financial data.
• Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage deadlines across multiple clients or projects.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain payroll concepts clearly and respond to inquiries professionally.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, maintain confidentiality, and exercise sound judgment in handling sensitive information.
• Prior experience in an accounting, finance, or professional services environment is preferred.
• Associate or bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certification such as Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) is a plus.