Payroll Specialist

Are you looking to join an organization that is growing and dynamic? What about a high-energy, collaborative environment that rewards hard work?

J.S. Held is a global consulting firm that combines technical, scientific, financial, and strategic expertise to advise clients seeking to realize value and mitigate risk. Our professionals serve as trusted advisors to organizations facing high stakes matters demanding urgent attention, staunch integrity, proven experience, clear-cut analysis, and an understanding of both tangible and intangible assets.

The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services, products, and data that enable clients to navigate complex, contentious, and often catastrophic situations.

Job Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and technically proficient U.S. Payroll Specialist to join our Total Rewards team. This role is responsible for processing accurate and timely payroll for U.S.-based employees using ADP Workforce Now, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The ideal candidate will bring strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of payroll systems, and strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel to support reporting, audits, and continuous process improvement.

Job Responsibilities

• Process semi-monthly payroll for U.S. employees using ADP Workforce Now
• Maintain and update employee payroll records, including new hires, terminations, and changes in compensation
• Ensure compliance with all applicable wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and company policies
• Reconcile payroll prior to transmission and validate confirmed reports
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll, deductions, and tax forms
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and Benefits teams to ensure accurate data flow and reporting
• Prepare and analyze payroll reports using Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, formulas, etc.)
• Support internal and external audits by providing payroll data and documentation
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and automation within payroll operations

• 3+ years of U.S. payroll experience, preferably in a multi-state environment
• Hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now is required
• Knowledge of federal and state payroll regulations
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., pivot tables, complex formulas, data analysis)
• Familiarity with payroll accounting and general ledger reconciliation
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Preferred Qualifications

• U.S. tax expertise highly preferred

Physical and Mental Job Qualifications

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 

Some of the Benefits We Have Include

J.S. Held understands all our employees are people and sometimes life needs flexibility. We work to always provide an environment that best supports and suits our team’s needs.

• Our flexible work environment allows employees to work remotely, when needed
• Flexible Time Off policy
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401k Match
• Commuter Benefit

A reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $60,000 - $66,000. Any offered salary range is based on a wide array of factors including but not limited to skillset, experience, training, location, scope of role, management responsibility, etc.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read the J.S. Held Online Privacy Notice and hereby freely and unambiguously give informed consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of your personal information as required and described therein. California residents can click here to learn more about the personal information we collect and here to learn about additional privacy rights that may be available.

Please explore what we’re all about at www.jsheld.com.

EEO and Job Accommodations

We embrace diversity and our commitment to building a team and environment that fosters professional and personal enrichment is unwavering. 

J.S. Held is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please email [email protected]. Include "Applicant Accommodation" in the subject line, along with your request and contact information.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines

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All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.