Job Title: Payroll Specialist

Department: Managed Payroll

Reports to: HR Operations Supervisor – Managed Payroll

Location: Remote

Revised: 2/17/2026

Job Summary

In this unique and rewarding position, the Payroll Specialist supports and oversees payroll operations for assigned clients utilizing a vendor-specific platform. This role is responsible for processing accurate and timely payroll, maintaining payroll data integrity, and executing payroll transactions in alignment with established processes and service expectations.

The Payroll Specialist applies payroll expertise to recommend process enhancements, implement best practices, and support continuous improvement efforts. This position serves as a liaison between clients and their payroll technology, executing payroll tasks, system updates, and client requests while delivering a high-quality service experience.

Job Duties

* Process end-to-end payrolls for multiple clients using the vendor-specific platform.

* Audit payroll data for accuracy, including earnings, deductions, and accruals.

* Perform payroll balancing to ensure precise and error-free processing.

* Manage payroll changes such as new hires, terminations, compensation updates, and earnings/deduction changes within the vendor’s system.

* Process off-cycle payrolls, bonuses, commissions, and retroactive adjustments.

* Support payroll imports, integrations, and timekeeping data reviews within the vendor-specific system.

* Partner with clients to collect, validate, and process payroll inputs.

* Identify and implement payroll process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

* Research and resolve payroll discrepancies and client payroll inquiries.

* Maintain payroll documentation and support creation and updates of SOPs.

* Participate in payroll projects, system optimizations, and client onboarding activities as needed.

* Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to support payroll processing, data accuracy, and timely resolution of payroll-related items.

* Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills

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Hands-on payroll processing experience in the vendor-specific system.

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Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency required, including the ability to audit, manipulate, and reconcile large payroll data sets.

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Experience using Excel for payroll balancing, variance analysis, retro calculations, and data validation.

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Strong working knowledge of formulas such as VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, SUMIF(S), COUNTIF(S), IF statements, and pivot tables.

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Ability to import/export payroll files and review data feeds using Excel.

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Experience managing client-facing payroll communications.

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Strong verbal and written communication skills.

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Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.

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Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

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Ability to manage multiple payrolls in a deadline-driven environment.

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Proven problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate complex payroll scenarios.

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Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Education and Experience

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Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or related field – or equivalent experience.

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5 + years of payroll processing experience.

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2-4 years direct experience processing payroll in a vendor-specific system required.

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Working knowledge of payroll principles, practices, and procedures.

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Benefits and earnings/deduction configuration experience preferred.

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Client payroll onboarding or implementation experience a plus.

Physical Requirements

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Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

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Must be able to move up to 15 pounds at times.

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Must be able to participate in video conferences/meetings.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Luchian Van Der Merwe