Explore Payroll Specialist Jobs

Find Payroll Specialist opportunities that match your experience in payroll processing, compliance, reporting, and employee support. Ladders features vetted professional roles with compensation of $100,000 or more, including senior and leadership-level positions for payroll experts.

What Payroll Specialists Do

Payroll Specialists help ensure employees are paid accurately and on time. Their work may include managing payroll cycles, reviewing time and attendance data, maintaining employee records, resolving pay questions, and preparing payroll reports. Depending on the organization and role level, they may also oversee payroll systems, coordinate with HR and finance teams, and support audits.

Skills and Experience Employers Seek

Employers commonly look for strong attention to detail, discretion with sensitive information, and knowledge of payroll processes and applicable regulations. Experience with payroll platforms, HRIS tools, spreadsheet analysis, tax and benefits deductions, reconciliations, and multi-state or international payroll can be valuable. Senior roles may require team leadership, process improvement, and experience managing complex payroll operations.

Payroll Specialist Career Opportunities

Payroll career paths can lead to senior payroll specialist, payroll analyst, payroll manager, or payroll operations leadership roles. Opportunities vary by industry and organization size, with responsibilities shaped by workforce complexity, systems, and regulatory requirements. Browse current listings to find roles aligned with your background and career goals.

Find $100K+ Payroll Specialist Jobs on Ladders

Use Ladders to discover vetted professional opportunities paying $100,000 or more. Review role requirements, compare positions, and identify openings that fit your payroll expertise and next career step.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
More
1
caret down

$102K - $112K *

Analyze and enhance human resources processes, providing expert guidance on recruitment, employee relations, and workforce planning to support organizational goals and improve operational efficiency...

Washington, DCRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in operationalizing a comprehensive compensation philosophy across a multi-site organization, ensuring effective execution of annual cycles, internal equity, and payroll oversight whil...

Maryland Heights, MORemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $120K *

Innovate data conversion strategies for Workday clients, ensuring effective implementation and exceptional service. Collaborate with teams to drive success in data strategies, enhancing client visuali...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$77K - $96K *

Grow your career with a vital role in payroll operations that ensures compliance and enhances customer experience through effective account management and issue resolution across multiple jurisdiction...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$145K - $190K *

Drive strategic product management within our payroll and HR ecosystem, leading cross-functional teams to deliver solutions that enhance customer satisfaction, regulatory compliance, and revenue growt...

Atlanta, GARemote

Reposted 1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$65K - $96K *

Empower compliance processes by preparing complex government filings, mentoring team members, and ensuring accuracy, while maintaining high service standards and developing knowledge of intricate comp...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$86K - $103K *

Lead the optimization and administration of Workday Financial Management, collaborating with Finance and IT to enhance processes, ensure data integrity, and deliver insightful reporting. Leverage your...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$92K - $160K *

Shape the future of payroll tax compliance by leading multi-state operations, ensuring accuracy in filings, and driving process improvements while collaborating with internal teams and external vendor...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$91K - $110K *

Elevate employee benefits by designing and managing comprehensive health, welfare, and retirement programs. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure compliance, optimize costs, and enhance coworker exp...

Illinois, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$84K - $127K *

Join a dedicated team focusing on enhancing client retirement plan engagement. Provide expert services and education, fostering relationships and improving participant outcomes in financial wellness a...

Missouri, USRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$84K - $127K *

Engage in meaningful client relationships to elevate retirement plan participation. Provide on-site education and tailored consultations, aiming to enhance investment knowledge and financial outcomes...

California, USRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$84K - $127K *

Drive your career forward by providing education and service in retirement planning while enhancing participant engagement and savings. Collaborate with diverse clients to deliver impactful financial...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$91K - $114K *

Elevate your career by ensuring compliance with payroll regulations across the US and Canada. Engage in audits, risk management, and data analysis to optimize payroll operations while supporting strat...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in managing a large-scale FHWA communications program, ensuring effective contract leadership, quality management, and stakeholder engagement across a multidisciplinary team to deliver...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$71K - $94K *

Champion compliance excellence by preparing and reviewing complex filings, mentoring team members, and ensuring adherence to service standards while fostering a collaborative environment for continuou...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$114K - $167K *

Pioneer tailored ERP solutions, optimizing business processes and data integration. Collaborate with teams to enhance performance and compliance while leading transformation in services and resources...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$90K - $110K *

Lead the charge in aligning HR strategies with business goals, serving as a trusted advisor, enhancing employee experiences, and providing impactful HR support throughout the employee lifecycle in a f...

Chicago, ILRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $279K *

Empower government sector success by identifying sales opportunities and leveraging legal tech expertise. Join a dynamic team to boost revenue through strategic outreach and relationship building whil...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$100K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team as a Senior Consultant, leading municipal financial analyses and strategies. Drive impactful projects for local governments, enhancing service delivery and sustainability while dev...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$89K - $166K *

Drive strategic financial support for US Higher Education teams, blending FP&A ownership with commercial analysis. Collaborate across functions to enhance investment decisions and optimize financial m...

Hoboken, NJRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$100K - $120K *

Drive your career with a team leading customer renewals. Manage a skilled group focused on achieving retention targets, effective negotiations, and proactive customer engagement, all while collaborati...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$80K - $95K *

Join a dynamic finance team to oversee multi-state sales tax compliance and assist treasury operations, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Work directly with leadership while engaging broadly in financ...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform Total Rewards initiatives by leading high-impact projects, collaborating across teams, and driving strategic outcomes. Leverage your expertise to enhance program management and deliver excep...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$96K - $120K *

Join a dynamic team to manage Payroll and Time Tracking system enhancements, document specifications, analyze HR data, support stakeholders, and improve processes while collaborating across HR functio...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$79K - $97K *

Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing HR operations through hands-on support of Dayforce HCM and iCIMS. Leverage your expertise in HRIS to enhance processes, troubleshoot issues, and drive compli...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Payroll Specialist do?question toggle

    A Payroll Specialist helps process payroll accurately and on schedule, maintains payroll records, reviews time and pay data, addresses employee questions, and may prepare reports or support compliance and audits.

  • What qualifications are common for Payroll Specialist jobs?question toggle

    Requirements vary, but employers often value payroll experience, careful handling of confidential data, familiarity with payroll or HRIS software, strong analytical skills, and knowledge of relevant payroll procedures and regulations.

  • What skills are important for a Payroll Specialist?question toggle

    Attention to detail, accuracy, discretion, organization, communication, and problem-solving are important. Experience with payroll systems, reconciliations, reporting, and complex or multi-state payroll may also be useful.

  • What career paths are available for Payroll Specialists?question toggle

    Payroll Specialists may advance into senior specialist, payroll analyst, payroll manager, or payroll operations leadership positions, depending on their experience and interests.

  • Are there Payroll Specialist jobs paying $100,000 or more?question toggle

    Yes. Ladders features vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, including senior payroll and payroll leadership opportunities. Availability and requirements vary by employer and location.