Corporate Payroll Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Corporate Payroll Specialist

At ESS our motto is, “Every day counts!” We take opportunities every day to grow and better our company as well as our employees.

Overview : The Corporate Payroll Specialist is a key role responsible for delivering accurate, timely, and compliant payroll while maintaining the employee data that drives pay outcomes. Working in a collaborative, high-accountability environment, this position helps create a smooth employee lifecycle experience and partners closely with HR and Finance to support growth, scalability, and operational excellence. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who values accuracy and continuous improvement and wants to build trust, strengthen processes, and make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Process bi-weekly payroll, including wages, deductions, adjustments, and special payments.
• Review payroll and employee data for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Maintain payroll records in accordance with company policy and regulatory requirements.
• Own employee data across systems, including compensation, tax withholdings, direct deposit, and benefits.
• Monitor onboarding, employee changes, and terminations to ensure accurate payroll outcomes.
• Support employee lifecycle processes with a focus on accuracy and timeliness
• Proactively identify process gaps and partner across Payroll and HR teams to improve workflows and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws.
• Serve as the primary contact for payroll inquiries and issue resolution.
• Deliver responsive, professional customer service.
• Prepare payroll reports and support analysis for reconciliation, budgeting, and workforce insights.
• Leverage data insights to support decisions and enhance processes.
• Identify and lead improvements to increase accuracy, efficiency, and automation.
• Improve reporting and system integration, using AI-enabled tools and resources.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• 2–5+ years of payroll experience in a corporate or high-volume environment
• Experience with payroll systems (e.g., Paychex, ADP, Workday) and strong knowledge of payroll regulations and data management
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office with strong attention to detail and data accuracy
• High integrity with the ability to maintain confidentiality
• Analytical, problem-solving mindset with the ability to prioritize, multitask, and meet deadlines
• Clear, professional communicator with a collaborative, service-oriented approach

ESS ADVANTAGES:

• Health insurance (medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD)
• 401(k)
• PTO (vacation, sick, personal, Mental health day, Volunteer time off)

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

Physical requirements may vary by assignment and location. Duties may include a combination of sitting, standing, and walking, as well as general use of hands and arms. Close vision is required for computer and detailed work.

Work is typically performed in a moderate-noise environment (e.g., office or school setting with light activity).

About ESS

ESS specializes in placing qualified K-12 personnel in daily, long-term, and permanent school district positions, including substitute teachers, aides, and other school support staff. With more than 900 school district partners nationwide, ESS supports over 5.5 million students each day. Since 2000, we’ve helped improve student achievement while providing meaningful opportunities for passionate educators. Our employees enjoy flexible schedules, comprehensive training, benefits, and ongoing professional development. Learn more at ESS.com.

Equal Opportunity & Inclusion

ESS is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace where all employees can succeed.

ESS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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