Payroll Operations Specialist

Job Title: Payroll Operations SpecialistLocation: Arlington, VA Schedule: Monday-Thursday in office, Friday remoteEmployment Type: Contract-to-HireOverview We are seeking a highly analytical and experienced Payroll Operations Specialist to lead multi-country payroll operations in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. This role is ideal for a payroll professional who thrives on complexity, values compliance, and enjoys improving processes through automation.This is a critical, high-impact role within the HR Operations team, requiring expertise in U.S. multi-state payroll as well as international payroll (Canada and Chile).Key ResponsibilitiesGlobal Payroll ExecutionManage end-to-end payroll processing across multi-state U.S., Canada, and ChileEnsure accurate calculation of wages, overtime, and country-specific deductionsCompliance & Tax AdministrationMaintain compliance with federal, state, local, and international payroll regulationsManage payroll tax registrations in new jurisdictions as neededOversee year-end reporting (W-2s, T4s, etc.)Equity & Benefits AdministrationProcess payroll implications of stock options and equity vestingManage benefit deductions and ensure accurate general ledger mappingFinancial ReconciliationPerform payroll reconciliations, journal entries, and GL auditsPartner with Treasury on payroll fundingEnsure SOX compliance and audit readinessProcess Improvement & AutomationIdentify and implement automation opportunities within payroll systemsEnhance efficiency, accuracy, and data integrity across processesStakeholder SupportServe as the primary point of contact for payroll-related inquiriesProvide clear communication and support to employees and business partnersRequired Qualifications 6+ years of experience in multi-state U.S. payroll processing4+ years of payroll tax experienceHands-on experience with Canadian and/or Chilean payrollAdvanced proficiency in ADP Workforce NowExpert-level Excel skills (e.g., XLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, Data Validation)Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience • Strong analytical and problem-solving skillsAbility to manage high-volume workloads and competing prioritiesPreferred Qualifications Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designationExperience with Workday PayrollExperience managing stock plans and equity compensationSpanish language skills (preferred for international support)What We're Looking For Detail-oriented with an "audit-ready" mindsetStrong ownership and accountabilityAbility to navigate complex payroll environments with accuracyExcellent communication skills across technical and non-technical audiencesContinuous improvement mindset with a focus on automation

Created: 2026-05-08