Payroll Specialist

Contractor or Part-Time Employee (potential to become full-time)

Location: Remote (work from anywhere, must align with US Eastern Time Zone hours)

5–10 hours per week to start (room to grow to full-time within a year)

Compensation: Based on experience

About Us

The company for which you are applying is a people-first, culture-forward HR consulting firm focused on simplifying payroll and HR solutions for small businesses. We work hand-in-hand with founders and growing teams to get the people stuff right—from onboarding and compliance to culture and compensation. We’re not a corporate machine—we’re a lean, purpose-driven team that deeply cares about people, precision, and partnership.

The Role

We’re looking for a detail-oriented, people-friendly Payroll Specialist who understands the nuts and bolts of U.S. payroll and enjoys helping businesses thrive through great processes. This is a remote, flexible, part-time role (starting at 5–10 hours/week), with the opportunity to grow into a full-time position within a year. You’ll support a range of small business clients using platforms like Gusto and QuickBooks.

Responsibilities:

1. Process payroll for multiple small business clients using Gusto, QuickBooks, and other HRIS platforms.
2. Manage payroll data including wages, deductions, benefits, and tax withholdings.
3. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
4. Reconcile payroll discrepancies and resolve payroll-related issues.
5. Stay current on payroll laws, trends, and best practices.

Requirements:

1. At least 2 years of U.S. small business payroll processing experience.
2. Proficiency in platforms like QuickBooks, Gusto, and other small business HR/payroll systems.
3. Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
4. Proficient in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
5. Comfortable with technology and eager to learn new systems.
6. Ability to work independently across multiple client accounts.
7. Available to work 9–5 US Eastern Time at least 75% of the time.
8. Fluent in English (written and spoken).

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience with multi-state payroll.
2. Understanding of payroll tax regulations and benefits deductions.
3. Familiarity with payroll reporting.
4. Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation.

Who You Are (ideally):

1. Born between 1995 and 2000.
2. Organized, reliable, and self-motivated.
3. Passionate about people, systems, and making a real impact.
4. Looking to be part of a collaborative and values-driven team.

Why Join People Operations Partners:

1. Supportive team culture focused on growth and learning.
2. Opportunity to transition into a full-time role.
3. Meaningful work supporting small businesses across the U.S.