Associate, Payroll

About Us

PPHC is a global strategic communications platform providing clients with a fully integrated and comprehensive range of services including government relations, public affairs, and corporate communications, research and analytics, digital advocacy campaigning, and compliance support. Our companies combined work with 1,500 plus clients, including companies, trade associations and non-governmental organizations, the Group is active in all major sectors of the economy, including healthcare and pharmaceuticals, financial services, energy, technology, telecoms and transportation.

Position Overview

The Associate supports the day-to-day administration of payroll for PPHC and its operating companies within a complex, multi-entity public company environment. Working closely with the senior payroll lead and cross-functional partners in Human Resources and Finance, this role assists with payroll processing, data review, reporting, employee inquiries, and maintaining accurate payroll records across operating companies with varying payroll needs and schedules. The role also supports new acquisition activity, such as supporting due-diligence, entity setup in payroll systems, and other integration activities. This is an entry- to mid-level opportunity for a detail-oriented professional with experience in payroll, preferably multi-entity or multi-state payroll.

As an Associate, you will:

• Support accurate and timely payroll processing for PPHC and its operating companies under the guidance of the senior payroll lead; successfully navigate varying payroll schedules, employee populations, entity structures, and business requirements for operating companies.
• Review payroll inputs and supporting documentation for completeness and accuracy, including new hires, terminations, pay changes, bonuses, deductions, and other payroll updates.
• Assist with internal, external, and public company payroll audits and reconciliations; gather supporting documentation, validate payroll data, and help identify discrepancies for review and resolution.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and employee data in the payroll system in accordance with established procedures and internal controls.
• Prepare and distribute recurring and ad hoc payroll reports for Human Resources, Finance, and operating company stakeholders.
• Respond to routine payroll questions from employees and operating company contacts, escalating complex or sensitive matters as appropriate.
• Partner with Human Resources and Finance to gather information, resolve payroll-related issues, and support accurate accounting and reporting.
• Support equity-related payroll administration, including coordinating taxable payroll inputs and reconciling tax payments and collections.
• Follow established payroll procedures and assist with documenting and updating standard operating procedures, checklists, and process guides.
• Support payroll-related activities for new operating companies and acquisitions, such as related due diligence, system setup, data validation, and integration activities.
• Provide cross-functional support for Human Resources operations, including serving as a backup for benefits administration, processing employee transactions and personnel action forms, launching onboarding workflows, and tracking new hires through completion of onboarding requirements. Participate in payroll projects and other duties as needed.

To be successful, you will need:

• One to three years of experience in payroll or Human Resources operations with a focus on payroll
• Working knowledge of payroll processes and a basic understanding of payroll taxes, deductions, multi-state processing, and recordkeeping requirements
• Experience using ADP Workforce Now, UKG, or another payroll or Human Resources information system
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, with the ability to organize, compare, reconcile, and validate detailed payroll data accurately.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to meet recurring deadlines and manage multiple priorities
• Excellent attention to detail, sound judgment, and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills and a service-oriented approach to supporting employees and internal partners

We prefer that you have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• Experience supporting payroll for employees in multiple legal entities
• Experience assisting with payroll audits, reconciliations, reporting, or process documentation

What We Offer:

• Generous PTO policy of 21 days per year for all full-time employees
• Competitive yearly bonus structure based on performance
• 401K plan with traditional and Roth options
• Medical/Dental/Vision coverage for employees and families with opportunity to enroll in HSA
• Opportunities to enroll in Flexible Spending accounts and Commuting accounts
• Company paid basic life insurance of $50,000, long term disability, and short-term disability coverage
• Company paid access to a wide range of health and well-being resources and services including telephonic counseling, legal advice, and other services

Additional Information:

While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly required to sit, walk and stand; talk or hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands repetitively to handle, feel, or operate standard office equipment; reach with hands and arms; and lift up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Public Policy Holding Company (PPHC) is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. PPHC does not discriminate based on disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected under federal, state, or local laws.