Payroll Assistant

Job Description Summary:

The Payroll Assistant supports accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing for a growing workforce across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and France. Reporting to the Payroll & Benefits Manager, this role assists with weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly payroll activities; audits payroll inputs and outputs; maintains payroll and timekeeping records; prepares reconciliations and reports; and responds to routine employee payroll inquiries. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, discreet, and comfortable working with confidential information in a fast-paced environment.

Primary Responsibilities:

Payroll Administration

• Support weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly payroll processing by collecting, reviewing, and entering payroll data accurately and on schedule.
• Audit timekeeping records, new hires, terminations, compensation changes, bonuses, commissions, recurring deductions, retroactive adjustments, and other payroll inputs.
• Assist with payroll previews and post-payroll audits; identify discrepancies, research root causes, and escalate issues to the Payroll & Benefits Manager.
• Process approved payroll adjustments and off-cycle payment requests under manager direction.
• Maintain accurate employee payroll, direct deposit, tax, and timekeeping records in Workday and related systems.
• Assist in preparing recurring payroll reports, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for Finance, HR, and business partners.
• Track and support garnishment orders, withholding changes, and related remittances in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Respond to routine employee payroll questions professionally and promptly; escalate sensitive, complex, or policy-related matters as appropriate.
• Maintain organized payroll documentation and support quarterly, year-end, internal, and external audit activities, including W-2, T4, and P60 processes.
• Assist in reconciling payroll registers, funding, deductions, taxes, and general ledger-related payroll data; document variances and coordinate approved corrections.

Experience:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in human resources, Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience will be considered.
• Two or more years of payroll processing, payroll operations, accounting support, or related administrative experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of payroll fundamentals, timekeeping, deductions, and payroll-related compliance requirements.
• Experience in Workday and proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Google Workspace, including sorting, filtering, lookups, and basic reconciliations.
• Experience supporting multi-state payroll.
• Global payroll experience is a plus.

Skills:

• Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, organization, and follow-through.
• Ability to manage recurring deadlines, prioritize competing tasks, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a service-oriented approach.
• Sound judgment and the ability to recognize when an issue requires escalation.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, with curiosity to research discrepancies and improve processes.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with Payroll, HR, Finance, managers, and external payroll vendors.
• Commitment to maintaining the highest level of confidentiality and security for sensitive employee and company information.