Payroll Specialist

About the role

The Payroll Specialist position at Charter Impact is a critical finance function responsible for the accurate and compliant processing of payroll for a diverse portfolio of client organizations. You will own the end-to-end processing of payroll, ensuring that every paycheck reflects precise calculations and adheres to all applicable regulations. In this capacity, you will serve as the primary point of contact for client staff, translating complex payroll regulations and internal policies into clear, actionable guidance. The role demands a proactive approach to identifying and resolving discrepancies before they escalate, thereby maintaining the integrity of payroll data through meticulous review and established internal controls. You will provide comprehensive training to client staff on procedures, new hire onboarding, and system functionality, acting as a trusted advisor during periods of legislative or policy change. Success in this position requires a commitment to continuous improvement within the remote-first environment, contributing to streamlined processes and robust documentation.

What you'll do

This role involves a broad range of technical and client-facing responsibilities essential to payroll accuracy. You will perform detailed calculations for gross-to-net payroll, incorporating various pay schedules, overtime rules, and other variable factors. A core duty is conducting new employee onboarding by entering hire dates, salary details, and tax withholding information into the payroll system accurately and efficiently. You will manage all employee changes, including promotions, transfers, and terminations, ensuring records are updated in a timely and precise manner.

You will administer payroll tax filings and remittations, verifying strict compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This includes tracking vacation and paid time off balances and applying organizational policies consistently across all client engagements. You will reconcile all payroll-related accounts, such as health insurance deductions, retirement contributions, and wage garnishments, to ensure ledger accuracy. The position requires generating and distributing payroll reports to clients, explaining variances, and providing actionable insights based on the data. You will communicate payroll schedules and deadlines to client teams to align expectations and promote transparency. A key function is resolving payroll discrepancies by investigating timekeeping issues, coding errors, and data entry mistakes. Finally, you will support the implementation of new payroll technologies and software enhancements aimed at improving accuracy and operational efficiency.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet specific educational and experiential criteria. A high school diploma or equivalent is mandatory; possession of a Bachelor's degree is preferred. Candidates must demonstrate a proven track record of at least two years in payroll processing or a closely related finance role. This experience must include comprehensive knowledge of payroll tax regulations and compliance requirements.

Technical proficiency is essential, including mastery of Microsoft Excel for tasks such as using formulas, creating pivot tables, and applying data validation techniques. Candidates must have hands-on experience with dedicated payroll software or enterprise resource planning systems. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required to interact effectively with client personnel and internal teams. The role demands strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities within a deadline-driven environment. Above all, candidates must maintain strict confidentiality regarding all client financial data and personnel information at all times.

Nice to have

Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience working with mission-driven organizations or non-profit entities. Familiarity with remote work tools and virtual collaboration platforms is also preferred, given the remote-first nature of the Charter Impact work model.

Practical notes

This position is classified as remote, specifically open to candidates based in AZ, CA, CO, CT, ID, IL, NV, OR, SD, TX, UT and/or WA. Occasional on-site payroll processing may be required, along with participation in departmental trainings and meetings. Work hours are full-time, aligning with standard business operations to ensure full support of client needs.