[Hiring] Payroll Consultant @PuzzleHR

Role Description

In this senior-level individual contributor role, the Payroll Consultant supports and oversees end-to-end payroll operations for assigned clients across supported payroll platforms. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate, timely payroll processing, maintaining data integrity, and executing payroll transactions in alignment with established processes, compliance requirements, and service standards.

Building on core payroll processing responsibilities, the Payroll Consultant serves as a subject matter expert in payroll operations and systems. The role provides advanced support for complex payroll scenarios, drives process improvements, and contributes to overall team effectiveness. Through mentorship, training, and a commitment to operational excellence, this position plays a key role in elevating service delivery and strengthening payroll expertise across the organization.

Job Duties

• Play a key role in supporting client retention by delivering consistent, high-quality payroll services, identifying potential risks, and proactively addressing client needs and concerns.
• Perform all core responsibilities of the Payroll Specialist role, including end-to-end payroll processing, audits, balancing, and payroll data management.
• Process and oversee complex payroll scenarios, including multi-entity, multi-frequency, and high-volume payrolls.
• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for payroll systems and processes, providing guidance, troubleshooting support, and best-practice recommendations to team members.
• Lead the resolution of complex payroll issues, discrepancies, and escalations for both client and internal inquiries.
• Conduct advanced payroll audits and data analysis to ensure accuracy, identify trends, and mitigate potential compliance or operational risks.
• Evaluate payroll workflows and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, scalability, and overall service delivery.
• Support and contribute to payroll-related initiatives and projects, including system optimizations, workflow enhancements, and client onboarding efforts.
• Develop, document, and maintain payroll procedures, standards, and best practices to support consistency and compliance.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to Payroll Specialists through coaching, peer support, and knowledge sharing.
• Support team training initiatives, including onboarding, upskilling, and continuous development programs.
• Act as an escalation point for complex payroll matters, ensuring timely and effective resolution.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to support payroll processing, data integrity, and on-time delivery.
• Contribute to quality assurance efforts by identifying gaps, recommending corrective actions, and supporting continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Advanced, expert-level knowledge of payroll processing, including the ability to manage complex and high-risk payroll scenarios.
• Strong proficiency in one or more payroll systems, with the capability to quickly learn and adapt to new platforms.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including the ability to audit, manipulate, and reconcile large, complex payroll data sets.
• Demonstrated experience using Excel for payroll balancing, variance analysis, retroactive calculations, and data validation.
• Strong working knowledge of advanced Excel functions, including VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, SUMIF(S), COUNTIF(S), IF statements, and pivot tables.
• Proven ability to analyze payroll data to identify trends, risks, discrepancies, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex payroll issues and ambiguous situations independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex payroll concepts to internal teams and clients.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor, train, and influence others without direct authority.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of end-to-end payroll processing experience.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification required.
• Strong working knowledge of payroll principles, practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience managing complex payroll environments, including escalations, multi-entity structures, or high-complexity payroll scenarios.
• Demonstrated experience contributing to payroll process improvements, system enhancements, or documentation initiatives.
• Previous experience mentoring, training, or supporting the development of payroll team members.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to move up to 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to participate in video conferences/meetings.