Payroll Specialist

Overview We are seeking a detail-oriented and service-focused Payroll Specialist to support payroll operations for a multi-state, multi-entity organization with multiple EINs/legal entities across the United States and Canada. As part of a lean two-person payroll department, this role will partner closely with the Payroll Manager to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing, while helping improve processes, educate employees and managers, and deliver a high-quality payroll experience. The ideal candidate is highly organized, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, and able to balance transactional accuracy with strong customer service and adaptability during periods of change. This is a hybrid position that requires in-office attendance three days a week, Tuesday through Thursday, at one of the following locations: Horsham, PA; Coral Gables, FL; or Fort Lauderdale, FL. We offer a competitive compensation package, including an hourly pay range of $32.21 to $40.38 — approximately $67,000 to $83,990 annually, based on a 40-hour workweek. Additional benefits include an annual bonus opportunity, comprehensive medical benefits beginning on day one, and a company-matched 401(k) plan. Responsibilities Support end-to-end payroll processing for a multi-state workforce in the United States and Canada, ensuring payroll data is accurate, complete, and submitted on time. Assist with payroll activities across multiple entities and EINs/legal entities, including employee setup, transfers, tax jurisdictions, pay groups, and entity-specific reporting requirements. Review and validate time and attendance data, earnings, deductions, taxes, garnishments, bonuses, commissions, retro pay, leave payments, and other payroll inputs before payroll close. Research and resolve payroll discrepancies, employee questions, manager inquiries, and timekeeping issues with urgency, accuracy, and a strong customer service mindset. Partner with the Payroll Manager to maintain efficient payroll workflows in a two-person department, including checklist management, recurring calendars, documentation, cross-training, and backup coverage. Prepare payroll reports, reconciliations, audit support, and data validations related to payroll processing, tax, benefits deductions, general ledger, and compliance requirements. Support federal, state, provincial, local, and entity-level payroll compliance by following established processes and escalating risks or exceptions on time. Help educate employees and managers on payroll procedures, timekeeping expectations, deadlines, self-service tools, and common payroll questions. Contribute to payroll process improvements by identifying recurring issues, recommending efficiencies, documenting SOPs, and supporting automation or system enhancements. Support payroll-related change management activities, including system updates, pay cycle changes, policy/process changes, testing, communications, and employee adoption efforts. Maintain confidential payroll records and employee data with a high level of discretion, professionalism, and data integrity. Perform other payroll, time and attendance, reporting, and administrative duties as assigned to support the overall payroll function. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, human resources, or related field preferred; equivalent payroll experience may be considered. 2-4+ years of payroll experience, preferably in a high-volume, multi-state, and/or multi-entity environment. Experience supporting payroll for multiple EINs/legal entities, tax jurisdictions, and pay groups preferred. Working knowledge of payroll practices, wage and hour requirements, payroll taxes, deductions, garnishments, and timekeeping processes. Experience with payroll and HRIS systems required; Workday experience preferred. Intermediate Excel skills, including the ability to work with reports, reconcile data, identify discrepancies, and use formulas or pivot tables, preferred. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, follow-through, and ability to manage recurring deadlines with limited supervision. Excellent customer service, communication, problem-solving, and judgment when responding to sensitive payroll matters. Ability to learn quickly, adapt to change, support process improvements, and help educate employees and managers on payroll processes. Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle payroll information with professionalism and discretion. Certifications, Licenses, And/Or Registration: No certification, license, or registration required. Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred. Lakeview is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All aspects of consideration for employment and employment with the Company are governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. #J-18808-Ljbffr