Payroll Specialist

Location: Carlsbad, CA |
Hybrid
Department: Payroll
Reports To: Payroll Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time

A well-established company in Carlsbad is seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist to join its payroll team. This is a client-facing role for someone who understands payroll beyond simply entering data into a payroll system.

The ideal candidate understands the process behind the technology — how payroll data is received and reviewed, how information flows through the payroll process, how to identify discrepancies, and how to ensure payroll is accurate and complete.

This is a high-touch, white-glove client service role involving both new client implementation and ongoing payroll processing. The ideal candidate will have hands‑on experience with biweekly payroll at a minimum
, strong attention to detail, and the ability to proactively identify and resolve issues.

This is also an excellent opportunity for someone looking for long-term career growth and advancement within the payroll organization.

• Manage payroll processing for an assigned portfolio of clients, including recurring biweekly payrolls.

• Receive, review, and validate payroll information submitted by clients.

• Understand how employee changes, compensation, deductions, benefits, and other payroll inputs affect the final payroll.

• Review payroll reports and system output for accuracy and identify discrepancies or unusual results.

• Research and resolve payroll issues by understanding the root cause rather than simply relying on the payroll system.

• Ensure payrolls are completed accurately and on schedule.

• Maintain accurate client records and documentation.

• Serve as a trusted point of contact for assigned clients.

• Provide a white-glove, proactive client experience through responsive communication and attention to detail.

• Gather payroll information, clarify questions, and ensure client deadlines are met.

• Anticipate potential issues and communicate proactively before they become payroll problems.

• Take ownership of client questions and issues through resolution.

• Develop strong, long-term client relationships.

• Assist with onboarding and implementation of new payroll clients.

• Gather, organize, and validate client and employee information required for payroll setup.

• Identify and resolve issues during implementation and support a smooth transition into ongoing payroll services.

• Develop an understanding of each client's unique payroll processes and requirements.

• Work closely with internal payroll and other departments to resolve client issues and ensure accurate service.

• Partner with the company's dedicated payroll tax team when tax‑related matters require their expertise. This position is not responsible for payroll tax filings
  .

• Stay current on payroll practices, systems, and requirements relevant to the role.

• 2+ years of hands‑on payroll experience
  , including biweekly payroll processing at a minimum.

• Experience receiving and reviewing client payroll data through completed payroll processing.

• Strong understanding of payroll processes and calculations.

• Ability to recognize when payroll information or results do not look correct and investigate why.

• Experience troubleshooting payroll discrepancies and resolving client questions.

• Strong customer service and relationship‑building skills.

• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and time management.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn payroll technology quickly.

The ideal candidate understands payroll, not just payroll software
.

You should be able to look at payroll…