Associate Payroll Specialist

Operations RoleHelp our award-winning technology company run effectively as you take on big challenges and find solutions with a position in Operations. Use your problem-solving skills to shape the way others see Paylocity. Launch your career with us!This is a 100% in-office role based at our Rochester, NY location. Remote or hybrid work is not available for this position. Candidates must be able to work on-site five days per week during designated work hours.Position OverviewThis role serves as an advanced subject-matter resource within the Elevate Solutions team, providing elevated support across key Human Capital Management (HCM) functions, including payroll processing, HR data management, and client inquiry resolution. As the frontline of the Elevate Solutions team, this role is responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely execution of recurring services, while providing proactive, high-touch support that exceeds client expectations. This position requires attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and a commitment to delivering operational excellence and client satisfaction.Primary ResponsibilitiesPayroll & HR Data Entry: Maintain, process, and perform advanced level validation of payroll and HRIS data with exceptional accuracy and confidentiality across complex client accounts. Provide guidance to other team members on data-entry standards and troubleshooting.Client Communication: Deliver prompt, clear, and professional communication via phone, email, and ticketing systems; serve as a trusted resource on routine and complex inquiries, offering consultative guidance and proactive client support.Ownership & Follow-Through: Independently manage assigned client workload, including escalated or high-impact service items, ensuring timely follow-up and resolution. Support team members by advising on prioritization and best practices.Problem Solving: Diagnose and resolve advanced payroll and data discrepancies, conduct deeper root-cause analysis, and provide recommendations. Serve as an escalation point for team members as needed.Cross-Functional Collaboration: Liaise with internal teams (e.g., Product Support, Tax, Benefits) to ensure seamless service delivery and resolution of complex issues.Process Adherence: Ensure full compliance with internal procedures, control protocols, and payroll policies, including client-specific processing requirements.ResponsibilitiesPayroll Administration: Execute end-to-end payroll tasks including pre-check validations, earnings/deductions auditing, and post-processing confirmations. Conduct advanced reviews of complex payroll scenarios and support team members with guidance on exceptions.Data Maintenance: Manage HR, timekeeping, and pay data updates including complex changes and ensuring alignment with client expectations.Client Issue Resolution: Lead and resolve day-to-day service requests from clients, providing deeper support and stepping in to help escalate with team as needed.Knowledge Management: Maintain advanced knowledge of supported platforms, internal policies, and regulatory requirements relevant to client deliverables. Contribute to training materials and documentation updates.Quality & Compliance: Perform advanced audits and reconciliation activities to ensure compliance with client contracts, internal standards, and external regulations.Support Tax Filings: Assist with the preparation, validation, and tracking of payroll tax filings. Ensure awareness of deadlines, escalate discrepancies, and coordinate with internal teams to resolve tax-related issues.Mentorship & Leadership Support: Mentor team members, support onboarding and training efforts and share best practices. Assist leadership with workflow coordination, knowledge reinforcement, and team support as needed.Strategic Oversight & Client Partnership: Engage at a deeper level with clients by offering proactive recommendations, identifying potential risks or trends, and contributing to strategic discussions that elevate client experience and operational excellence.Education & ExperienceBachelor's Degree required3+ years of relevant HCM experienceAdvanced proficiency in payroll systems, HCM workflows, and data managementExperience in customer service or previous client interfacing role with proven ability to manage escalations and complex inquiries.Demonstrated accuracy, attention to detail, and strong time-management skills.Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.Data accuracy and proficiencyPreferredProfessional payroll or HR Certifications CPP, FPC, APA, and/or SHRM-CP certifiedExperience in managed services, payroll operations, or call center environmentPrior experience mentoring or coaching peersPhysical RequirementsAbility to sit for extended periods: The role requires sitting at a desk or workstation for long periods, typically 7-8 hours a day.Use of computer and phone systems: The employee must be able to operate a computer, use phone systems, and type. This includes using multiple software programs and inquiries simultaneously.Paylocity is an equal-opportunity employer. We recruit, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. At Paylocity, we believe diversity makes us better.We embrace and encourage our employees' differences in age, culture, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion or spiritual belief, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make our employees unique. We actively cultivate these differences through our employee resource groups (ERGs), employee experiences, perspectives, talents, and approaches to drive innovation in the software and services we provide our customers.We comply with federal and state disability laws and make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the job application or interview process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. This email address is exclusively designated for such requests, aligning with federal and state disability laws. Please do not send resumes to this email address, as they will be removed.The base pay range for this position is $25.00 - 31.00/hour; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. This position offers a full range of benefits outlined here. This information is provided per the relevant state and local pay transparency laws for the location in which this position will be performed. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via personal data will be processed for recruitment purposes in accordance with our Notice of Privacy Practices for Job Applicants and applicable data protection laws.