US Payroll Specialist

Role Description

The Payroll Specialist plays a vital role in strengthening payroll accuracy, compliance, and employee trust across U.S. operations. This opportunity supports a managed IT leader serving law firms, offering a long-term global career with Emapta and a premium environment built for finance professionals who value precision, stability, and growth.

Qualifications

• 2 to 5+ years of hands-on U.S. payroll processing experience, with multi-state payroll strongly preferred
• Strong knowledge of federal and state wage and hour rules, including FLSA, overtime, and worker classifications
• Experience in a high-volume or multi-entity environment
• High proficiency with payroll systems such as ADP, UKG, Paychex, Paylocity, Workday, or similar platforms
• Strong Excel skills and comfort working with large datasets
• Exceptional accuracy, attention to detail, and confidentiality
• Experience in a PE-backed or high-growth environment (Preferred)
• Experience onboarding newly acquired entities into payroll (Preferred)
• Understanding of benefit deductions, retirement plan contributions, and year-end processes (Preferred)
• CPP or FPC certification is a plus (Preferred)

Requirements

• Accuracy and attention to detail with a zero-error mindset for payroll data
• Customer service orientation with clear and empathetic employee communication
• Process mindset with the ability to streamline workflows and improve payroll efficiency
• Confidentiality when handling sensitive employee information
• Problem-solving skills to quickly identify and resolve discrepancies

Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly or semi-monthly payroll cycles for employees across multiple U.S. states
• Validate and reconcile hours, earnings, deductions, garnishments, benefits, and taxes
• Track PTO, overtime, differentials, bonuses, and commissions accurately
• Review and audit payroll reports before submission to ensure complete accuracy
• Ensure payroll compliance with U.S. federal, state, and local regulations, including FLSA, minimum wage, overtime, and tax laws
• Maintain employee payroll records in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements
• Support quarterly and annual filings, including W-2, 941, and state unemployment reports
• Serve as the first-line resource for employee payroll inquiries
• Resolve discrepancies related to pay, taxes, direct deposit, and withholdings
• Collaborate with HR and Accounting to maintain accurate employee data
• Assist with payroll system upgrades, integrations, and automations, including ADP, UKG, Paylocity, Workday, or similar systems
• Implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce error rates
• Support the integration of newly acquired companies into payroll systems and processes
• Participate in audits, system migrations, M&A onboarding, and payroll data cleanup
• Support cross-functional initiatives related to compensation, benefits, and HR operations

Benefits

• Competitive Salary Package
• Night differential pay to maximize your earnings
• Permanent WFH arrangement
• HMO coverage with free dependent upon regularization
• Prime office location in Makati with easy access to MRT stations, restaurants, and banks
• Fixed weekends off
• Salary Advance Program through our banking partner (Eligibility and approval subject to bank assessment. Available to account holders with minimum of 6 months company tenure.)
• Unlimited upskilling through Emapta Academy courses
• Free 24/7 access to our office gyms (Ortigas and Makati) with a free physical fitness trainer!
• Exclusive Emapta Lifestyle perks (hotel and restaurant discounts, and more!)
• Unlimited opportunities for employee referral incentives across the organization
• Standard government and Emapta benefits
• Total of 20 annual leaves to be used at your own discretion (including 5 credits convertible to cash)
• Fun engagement activities for employees
• Mentorship and exposure to global leaders and teams
• Career growth opportunities
• Diverse and supportive work environment