Payroll Specialist

A BOLDSCIENCE Payroll Specialist will play a critical role in ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across our organization. Primarily this position will work in collaboration with the Global Payroll and Benefits Manager. 

Day-to-Day Responsibilities 

The Payroll Specialist will assist with the execution of payroll operations for BOLD’s global workforce. The role includes onboarding employees for payroll and benefits purposes, processing payroll, ensuring compliance with various state and federal laws, and managing detailed reporting. This role requires balancing meticulous attention to detail with the ability to identify and implement process improvements in a growing organization. In general, the Payroll Specialist will: 

Payroll Operations:  

• Responsible for onboarding employees in the US and UK, ensuring that all benefits, tax setup requirements, and necessary documentation is accurate and on record in preparation for payroll.  
• Process semi-monthly and monthly payroll for employees across multiple states and the UK ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery.  
  • Manage and process payroll inputs, including regular earnings, bonuses, and deductions (e.g., benefits, garnishments). 
  • Reconcile payroll prior to transmission to ensure all adjustments and changes are accurately reflected.
• Establish new accounts for Withholding, SUI, and local taxes as needed
• Collaborate with other stakeholders to update employee records, pay rates, and other relevant data.
• Maintain a workflow with other members of the People Operations Team to ensure all types of leave (such as maternity, paternity, leave without pay, etc.) which impact payroll are executed correctly. 

 Benefits and Time Off Management:  

• Assist with the administration of employee benefit programs in compliance with carrier contracts (e.g. explaining benefit options, managing employee data in systems, Open Enrollment, etc.). 
• Administer employee vacation, sick leave, and other paid time off accruals in accordance with company policies.   
• Perform regular audits to ensure time-off balances are accurately calculated and communicated.   

 Compliance and Regulations:  

• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws, including but not limited to wage and hour laws, tax reporting, and deductions.   
• Stay informed about changes in payroll laws and regulations, with specific attention to California payroll and leave requirements. 
• Assist with responding to inquiries from tax agencies as needed.   

 Reporting and Analysis:  

• Support financial audits and reconciliations by preparing detailed payroll documentation and addressing inquiries.   
• Collaborate with the Finance team to reconcile payroll and resolve discrepancies.   
• Ability to create and deliver Ad Hoc reports as requested by Senior Leadership. 

 System Management:  

• Leverage payroll systems to maintain employee data and process payroll transactions.   
• Participate in system upgrades, testing, and integrations to enhance payroll, benefits, and time off capabilities.   

  Excel Expertise: 

• Create and manage spreadsheets to support payroll calculations and reporting.   
• Utilize Excel functions such as pivot tables, VLOOKUP, SUMIF, and conditional formatting to analyze payroll data effectively.   
• Maintain accurate records and ensure data integrity across all payroll-related systems.   

 Required Qualifications: 

• 3+ years of relevant payroll experience, preferably in a multi-state or global organization 
• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as accounting or business administration is preferred 
• Familiarity with industry regulations and compliance standards, particularly those related to state-specific payroll and benefit regulations 
• Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, including federal, state, and local tax laws
• Proficiency in payroll software systems such as Paylocity or similar platforms 
• Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas, pivot tables, and large data set management 
• High level of attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain complex payroll concepts to non-technical stakeholders 
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment while taking initiative to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
• Highly motivated, decisive, solution- and results-oriented with flexibility and creativity to excel in a rapidly growing and changing environment 
• Candidates for this role should be based in the Eastern Standard Time Zone