Payroll Specialist

Curriculum Associates is dedicated to transforming education technology with innovative learning programs. The Payroll Specialist will support the execution of payroll operations, ensuring compliance and accuracy while contributing to process improvements and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, and process biweekly U.S. payroll for exempt and non-exempt employees in compliance with company policies and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations
• Process employee payroll changes, including salary adjustments, bonuses, tax updates, direct deposit changes, department allocations, benefit deductions, allowances, and garnishments
• Partner closely with the Senior Payroll Manager to ensure payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls are consistently applied and maintained
• Maintain accurate payroll data within the payroll system to support month-end, year-end, and statutory tax reporting requirements
• Prepare and review payroll reconciliation reports and variance analysis prior to payroll submission; participate in reviews with senior management as required
• Respond promptly and professionally to payroll-related inquiries from employees and management, providing clear explanations and effective issue resolution
• Prepare ad hoc payroll, audit, and compliance-related reports as requested
• Maintain payroll-to-general ledger interface mappings and perform payroll-to-GL reconciliations
• Assist with internal and external payroll audits, including data collection, documentation, and auditor inquiries
• Support payroll automation efforts, including the adoption and optimization of AI-enabled tools and system enhancements
• Support global payroll activities as needed, including coordination with internal teams and external vendors to ensure compliant and timely payroll processing
• Collaborate cross-functionally with HR, Finance, Accounting, and other business partners to ensure accurate payroll outcomes and continuous improvement

Skills

• Minimum of 1–3 years of payroll experience, preferably within a medium-sized organization
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including complex formulas, data analysis, and working with large datasets
• Strong working knowledge of federal and multi-state payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements
• Exceptional attention to detail with a demonstrated commitment to accuracy and quality
• Proven ability to handle highly confidential information with discretion and professionalism
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a customer-focused mindset and the ability to build effective relationships at all organizational levels
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize and meet competing deadlines
• Experience with ADP Workforce and Workday strongly preferred

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Basic life insurance
• 401k plan
• Flexible vacation and sick policy
• Twelve paid holidays
• Winter office closure between Christmas and New Year's

Company Overview