Payroll Specialist Lead - US
The Payroll Specialist Lead (United States) is a mid-level individual contributor responsible for executing and supporting payroll operations within the US payroll environment. This role combines hands-on payroll execution, operational expertise, and support for other payroll specialists. You will ensure payroll is delivered accurately, on time, and in compliance with regulations, while contributing to process improvements and operational efficiency. You will work closely with internal teams across Payroll Operations, Finance, Product, and Service Operations, as well as relevant external stakeholders.
Key responsibilities include executing end-to-end payroll operations for the US payroll environment, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. You will validate payroll inputs, calculations, and outputs, maintaining data integrity across all payroll cycles. Managing payroll-related exceptions, adjustments, and reconciliations, escalating complex issues when necessary, is also part of the role. Additionally, you will support the operational implementation of payroll processes, including system updates, statutory changes, and new program rollouts. Serving as a point of contact for internal teams and relevant external stakeholders regarding payroll execution and compliance is essential. Identifying opportunities to improve payroll processes, documentation, and operational workflows, participating in testing payroll system enhancements and updates to ensure operational readiness, and providing support and guidance to other payroll specialists when needed to maintain continuity and quality of payroll delivery are also key aspects. Monitoring and contributing to payroll performance metrics, including SLAs and KPIs, is expected.
The ideal candidate will have proven experience in end-to-end payroll execution within the US payroll or similar environment, including payroll validations, reconciliations, and statutory filings. Strong knowledge of US federal, state, and local payroll regulations and payroll best practices is required. Experience in implementing payroll processes or contributing to operational rollouts is beneficial. Strong analytical skills, with the ability to identify issues, interpret data, and resolve exceptions accurately, are necessary. Proficiency in payroll systems and the ability to quickly learn new operational tools; experience with automation or AI-assisted workflows is a plus. Comfort operating independently in a remote-first, asynchronous work environment is important. A collaborative mindset and strong communication skills for partnering with internal teams and external stakeholders are essential. Being highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple payroll cycles and deadlines effectively is crucial. Experience with multi-country payroll is a plus, but not required for this US-focused role. High integrity and discretion when handling sensitive payroll information are expected. Demonstrating strong automation and AI capabilities is advantageous.
The annual salary range for this full-time position is $83,200—$93,600 USD. Benefits include the ability to work from anywhere, flexible paid time off, flexible working hours (we are async), 16 weeks paid parental leave, mental health support services, stock options, learning budget, home office budget & IT equipment, and a budget for local in-person social events or co-working spaces.
At Remote, we work asynchronously, allowing you to plan your schedule around your life (and not around meetings). You will be empowered to take ownership and be proactive. When in doubt, you will default to action instead of waiting. Your life-work balance is important, and you will be encouraged to put yourself and your family first, and fit work around your needs. If that sounds like something you want, apply now!