Payroll Specialist

United States, California, Monterey May 12, 2026 Our focus is growth. Is yours? Barrett Business Services, Inc. (BBSI) helps business owners focus on their business. We offer outsourced HR, risk consultation, payroll administration, insurance, and recruiting to small-and medium-sized businesses. We combine expert knowledge with industry leading solutions allowing business owners to focus on their core business while building stronger companies. The BBSI Payroll Specialist position is a key member of the business unit team that consults on a broad range of organizational and management areas. The primary objective of the Payroll Specialist is to process perfect and timely payrolls for around 60-80 clients with a variety of pay periods, pay cycles, and payroll complexities. Additionally, the Payroll Specialist will work closely with clients to understand their payroll and accounting systems and processes to help identify and recommend process improvements. The successful candidate must demonstrate strong business acumen and possess an entrepreneurial spirit with a genuine desire to proactively and consistently deliver value to our clients and internal teams. This position reports to the Area Manager and works in partnership with other positions within the business unit, branch and corporate office. Duties and Responsibilities Run high volume perfect and timely on- and off-cycle payrolls (800+ employees) for multiple client companies Become an expert in new client onboarding, BBSI payroll, CRM (Salesforce), timekeeping and HRIS systems. Identify systems options to achieve better results for clients and BU members Perform on-site client payroll training, HRP web training and use of all feature functionalities relevant to client Become subject matter expert on client data including turnover, ongoing or seasonal headcount fluctuations, time & attendance, building payroll bridges, import & export requirements, prevailing wages, job costing, certified payroll, standard & custom reporting requirements of client companies Desired Skills and Experience Minimum 5 years of payroll experience - ideally in a multi-client, fast-paced, demanding environment Strong client service orientation and superb customer service skills Demonstrated experience in process improvement and streamlining - within prior role or department Experience as a bookkeeper or accountant desirable Must be self-driven to succeed and help drive success for our business owners Knowledge of wage and hour laws and taxability of wages. Exposure to workers' compensation claims management helpful. Effective communicator with individuals at all levels within an organization Professional appearance and demeanor; excellent verbal and written communication skills Exceptional time management skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team setting, with minimal supervision Systems experience including proficiency in MS Office, particularly Outlook, Excel and Word. Experience in CRM, Citrix preferred, HRP software experience a big plus Associate's degree preferred; advanced degree is a plus CPP or FPC designation highly preferred Approximately 10% of time to be spent out of the office (local travel within 50 miles of office) for client visits and onsite training Benefits Medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, sick time, 401(k), retirement plan Health savings account, flexible savings account Accidental death and dismemberment, life insurance, voluntary life insurance, voluntary disability insurance, voluntary accident, voluntary critical care, voluntary hospital indemnity Legal, identity & fraud protection, commuter benefits, pet insurance, employee stock purchase program, and an employee assistance program Paid Time Off: 40 hours of paid sick leave annually; vacation accrues up to 80 hours in the first year, up to 120 hours in years 2-4, and up to 160 hours in the fifth year; 6 paid holidays annually, 4 paid volunteer days annually. Salary and Other Compensation The starting pay range for this position is $28.03-$36.00/Hr. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include geography, skills, education, experience, certifications and other qualifications of the candidate. This position is also eligible for incentive pay in accordance with the terms of the Company's plan. Diversity and Inclusion are critical parts of our corporate culture. BBSI strives to create a workplace where everyone feels included and empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work, and is treated fairly. BBSI is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. #J-18808-Ljbffr BBSI