1

Payroll Operations Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior People & Payroll Operations Specialist

$30.25 - $41.25/hr

Serve as the tier-2 escalation point for POps Assist cases raised by the specialist team, resolving ... REQUIREMENTS * 5+ years of progressive experience in Payroll and People Operations, with at least ...

Payroll Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$30 - $36/hr

A professional firm in West LA is seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist for a long-term ... This role supports payroll operations for approximately 1,500 employees across both hourly and ...

Payroll Operations Manager

Columbus, OH · On-site

$95K - $140K/yr

... specialists and payroll analysts and foster a culture of accountability, customer service, continuous improvement and operational excellence • Manage staffing, workload distribution, and succession ...

Payroll Specialist - Tax

Mckinney, TX · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

The Payroll Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of payroll ... Oversee payroll operations to ensure timely and accurate payroll processing, demonstrating ...

Payroll Operations Manager

Columbus, OH · On-site

$95K - $140K/yr

... specialists and payroll analysts and foster a culture of accountability, customer service, continuous improvement and operational excellence • Manage staffing, workload distribution, and succession ...

Payroll Specialist

Irving, TX · On-site

$22.50 - $30.75/hr

We are seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to support the management of full-cycle payroll operations for a growing and dynamic workforce. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate and ...

New

Payroll Specialist

Cranberry Township, PA

$23.25 - $31.75/hr

Payroll Specialist Cranberry Twp, PA 16066 $60,000 - $75,000 CFS has partnered with a growing ... Contribute to process improvements and help enhance payroll operations. * Join a team that values ...

Payroll Specialist

Cranberry Township, PA · On-site

$22.75 - $31/hr

Payroll Specialist Cranberry Twp, PA 16066 $60,000 - $75,000 CFS has partnered with a growing ... Contribute to process improvements and help enhance payroll operations. * Join a team that values ...

Payroll Specialist

York, PA · On-site

$58K - $78K/yr

Payroll Specialist The Payroll Specialist plays a key role in managing high-volume, multi-state ... Manage multi-state payroll operations, ensuring compliance with state and local regulations.

Showing results 21-40

Payroll Operations Specialist information

See salary details

$15

$27

$39

How much do payroll operations specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for payroll operations specialist in the United States is $27.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.60 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a payroll operations specialist do?

A Payroll Operations Specialist is responsible for processing employee payroll, ensuring accuracy in wage calculations, deductions, and compliance with tax regulations. They manage payroll records, handle employee inquiries about pay, and coordinate with HR and finance departments. Additionally, they may assist with audits, generate payroll reports, and stay updated on relevant laws to ensure company compliance. Their work is essential for timely and accurate compensation to employees.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a payroll operations specialist?

To thrive as a Payroll Operations Specialist, you need strong attention to detail, knowledge of payroll regulations, and experience with payroll processing, often supported by a degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Familiarity with payroll software such as ADP, Paychex, or SAP, and certifications like the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) are commonly required. Effective communication, problem-solving abilities, and discretion with sensitive information are important soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate payroll processing, compliance with legal requirements, and the safeguarding of employee trust and company resources.

What are some common challenges faced by payroll operations specialists, and how can they be addressed?

Payroll Operations Specialists often encounter challenges such as managing tight deadlines, ensuring accuracy in complex payroll calculations, and staying updated with changing tax laws and compliance requirements. To address these challenges, specialists typically rely on robust payroll software, maintain clear communication with HR and finance teams, and participate in ongoing training. Attention to detail and strong organizational skills are essential for minimizing errors and ensuring timely payroll processing.

What is the difference between Payroll Operations Specialist vs Payroll Coordinator?

AspectPayroll Operations SpecialistPayroll Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires payroll or accounting certifications, relevant experienceOften requires similar certifications or experience, sometimes entry-level
Work EnvironmentWorks within payroll or HR departments, handling complex payroll processesSupports payroll processing, often coordinating between teams
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large corporations, finance, and HR sectorsUsed across various industries, including healthcare, retail, and corporate
Search & Comparison IntentPeople compare to understand roles, responsibilities, and career pathsOften compared for entry-level or support roles in payroll

The Payroll Operations Specialist focuses on managing complex payroll processes, ensuring accuracy, and compliance, often requiring specialized certifications. The Payroll Coordinator typically supports payroll functions, assisting with data entry and coordination. Both roles are vital in payroll departments but differ in scope and complexity.

How much does a payroll operations specialist get?

The average salary for a payroll operations specialist typically ranges from $45,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and company size. Professionals in this role often use payroll software and may require certifications such as the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP).

Is being a payroll operations specialist worth it?

A payroll operations specialist manages employee compensation processing, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations. The role offers steady employment, requires attention to detail, and often involves working with payroll software and data security, making it a stable career choice for those interested in finance and administration.

What states have the most Payroll Operations Specialist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Payroll Operations Specialist jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Payroll Operations Specialist jobs?

For Payroll Operations Specialist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Senior People & Payroll Operations Specialist

Remote

$30.25 - $41.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

ABOUT APPLY
APPLY is the Agentic Customer Experience (ACx) partner for the world's most ambitious consumer and entertainment brands. We bring together deep domain expertise across Retail, CPG, Sports, and Media with AI-native delivery capability, designing and delivering agentic solutions that turn CX vision into commercial reality. We are the partner of choice for brands like Arc'teryx, NFL, Lululemon, and Kraft Heinz. For more information, visit applydigital.com.
LOCATION: APPLY is hybrid/remote-friendly. The preferred candidate should be based in Latin America, preferably working in hours that align to ET (Eastern Timezone) or PT (Pacific Timezone).
Candidates located in Santiago, Chile are able to work out of our Santiago office as remote/hybrid employees. Candidates located outside of Santiago, Chile will be fully remote employees.
THE ROLE:
RESPONSIBILITIES
Payroll Review & Business Continuity:
  • Supervise overall payroll administration, overseeing end-to-end processing while validating inputs and outputs for absolute accuracy, completeness, and compliance ahead of each cycle.
  • Provide backup payroll processing coverage to ensure uninterrupted, on-time payroll when primary payroll resources are unavailable.

HRIS & Systems Administration:
  • Manage day-to-day HiBob administration, including regular data quality audits and ongoing system integrity monitoring.
  • Design and build HRIS workflow enhancements, administer complex edge-case scenarios, and leverage system data to deliver actionable Business Insights to leadership.
  • Support audit readiness and respond to internal and external audit requests with accurate, timely documentation.

Employee Experience & Lifecycle:
  • Own onboarding journey design and end-to-end experience delivery, ensuring a seamless and engaging new-hire experience.
  • Initiate, manage, and track Leave of Absence requests in line with global policy and compliance requirements.
  • Serve as the tier-2 escalation point for POps Assist cases raised by the specialist team, resolving complex or sensitive issues.

Total Rewards & Benefits:
  • Administer global benefits programs and run regular reconciliation processes to ensure accuracy and compliance.
  • Own total rewards communication and employee education programs that drive awareness and engagement.
  • Support quarterly pay equity analysis in partnership with the People Operations Lead.

Analytics & Insights:
  • Own the development and tracking of key People metrics, creating dashboards and data models that translate raw HRIS data into strategic analytics and insights for the global team.

REQUIREMENTS
  • 5+ years of progressive experience in Payroll and People Operations, with at least 2+ years at a Senior level within a fast-growing, global organization.
  • Experience with Chilean, USA and Canadian payroll is a must (desirable UK experience)
  • Proven track record of managing and supporting financial and payroll audits, ensuring accurate general ledger reconciliations and full audit readiness.
  • Proven experience managing the entire employee lifecycle across multiple international jurisdictions (global compliance, benefits, and leave management).
  • Expert-level administration experience with HiBob (strongly preferred) or a comparable modern global HRIS (e.g., Workday, BambooHR), including building complex workflows and custom fields.
  • Advanced data proficiency: High expertise in Excel/Google Sheets (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, Index/Match) and a proven track record of translating raw HR data into dashboards and executive insights.
  • High-ownership mentality: Ability to step up as a proxy/backup for the People Operations Lead and make sound decisions independently.
  • Tier-2 Problem Solver: Experience handling sensitive employee relation escalations or complex leave/benefits cases with empathy and discretion.
  • Audit-ready mindset: Exceptional attention to detail with experience preparing compliance data for internal or external auditors.
  • Fluent Spanish
  • Fluent English

Nice to Have
  • Experience supporting global teams or working across multiple countries.
  • Familiarity with employer of record models or tools like Deel, Remote, or Oyster.
  • Exposure to DEI, wellness, or internal communication initiatives.

LIFE AT APPLY
People are at the core of everything we do at APPLY. We provide you with modern tools, systems and approaches, value your time, safety, and health, and strive to build a work community where you can thrive and grow. Here are a few benefits we offer to support you:
Agentic Delivery: Our people work in a modern way to deliver client outcomes. Broaden your skills on a range of engagements with international brands that have a global impact.
An inclusive and safe environment: We're truly committed to building a culture where you are celebrated and everyone feels welcome and safe.
AI & Strategic Upskilling: Accelerate your professional growth with generous training budgets and mentorship, with a specific focus on Agentic AI expertise and the critical human skills required for the future of work.
Generous vacation policy: Work-life balance is key to our team's success, so we offer ample time away from work to promote overall well-being.
Customizable benefits: Tailor your extended health and dental plan to your needs, priorities, and preferences.
Flexible work arrangements: We work in a variety of ways, from remote, to in-office, to a blend of both.
APPLY is a safe, respectful, and inclusive community where differences are celebrated. We are committed to equal opportunity and fostering a workplace where everyone belongs. Learn more in our