Payroll Specialist Lead - PEO

This position is posted by Jobgether on behalf of a partner company. We are currently looking for a Payroll Specialist Lead - PEO in the United States.

This role offers a unique opportunity to lead and support payroll operations in a US PEO environment, combining hands-on execution with operational oversight. You will ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payroll delivery while mentoring other payroll specialists and contributing to process improvements. Working remotely, you will collaborate with internal teams across Payroll Operations, Finance, Product, and Service Operations, as well as external stakeholders. This position emphasizes operational excellence, attention to detail, and the adoption of automation and AI-driven tools to streamline payroll workflows. You will play a key role in ensuring payroll integrity across multiple cycles and contribute to the ongoing development of best-in-class payroll processes. The position provides autonomy, impact, and visibility across the organization’s payroll ecosystem.

• Execute end-to-end payroll operations for the US PEO environment, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness
• Validate payroll inputs, calculations, and outputs, maintaining data integrity across payroll cycles
• Manage payroll-related exceptions, adjustments, and reconciliations, escalating complex issues as needed
• Support payroll process implementation, including system updates, statutory changes, and new program rollouts
• Serve as a point of contact for internal teams and relevant external stakeholders regarding payroll execution and compliance
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, documentation, and operational workflows
• Participate in testing payroll system enhancements and updates to ensure operational readiness
• Provide guidance and support to other payroll specialists to maintain high-quality payroll delivery
• Monitor payroll performance metrics, including SLAs and KPIs

Requirements:

• Proven experience in end-to-end payroll execution within a US PEO or similar environment
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations and best practices
• Experience with payroll systems and willingness to learn new operational tools; automation or AI-assisted workflow experience is a plus
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify issues, and resolve exceptions
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple payroll cycles and deadlines effectively
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work with internal teams and external stakeholders
• High integrity and discretion when handling sensitive payroll information
• Ability to work independently in a remote-first, asynchronous environment
• Experience with multi-country payroll is a plus but not required

Benefits:

• Competitive annual salary range: $83,200 – $112,300 USD
• Fully remote work with flexible hours to support life-work balance
• Flexible paid time off and 16 weeks paid parental leave
• Comprehensive mental health support services
• Stock options and learning budget for professional growth
• Home office budget and IT equipment support
• Budget for local in-person social events or co-working spaces
• Opportunity to work in a globally distributed, inclusive, and innovation-focused team