Payroll Specialist

About the Organization

Adams Clinical operates as a leading network of clinical trial sites with a focus on accelerating the development of therapies that can improve lives. The organization is driven by a clear mission: to deliver strong data quality, uphold safety, and support diverse participant enrollment so healthcare can move forward. Its long-term goal is to become the benchmark for excellence in clinical research.

The company emphasizes core values such as scientific rigor, efficient operations, accountability to sponsors and participants, and genuine collaboration. Team members work in an environment built on respect, openness, and continuous improvement, with opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to meaningful work.

Adams Clinical has sites in Watertown, MA; Boston, MA; Harlem, NY; and Bronx, NY. It provides access to experimental treatments for psychiatric and neurological conditions. The payroll role sits within the People Operations function and includes flexibility for remote work.

Role Overview

The Payroll Specialist will own payroll processing from start to finish for a multi-site, multi-state organization. This is a role that requires a high level of trust, accuracy, and attention to detail, with responsibilities spanning Finance, HR, and compliance. The goal is to ensure every employee is paid correctly and on schedule for each pay cycle.

Working mainly in Rippling and coordinating heavily through email and Slack, the specialist will partner closely with HR and Finance leadership to preserve payroll accuracy, produce clean reports, and support a smooth employee experience from onboarding through year-end close. This role suits someone who values precision and performs well in a fast-paced, mission-driven setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle semi-monthly and off-cycle payroll processing for employees across multiple states using Rippling, with a focus on accuracy and timely completion.
• Keep payroll records current for new hires, exits, pay changes, garnishments, and direct deposit updates.
• Build, reconcile, and analyze payroll reports in Excel, including variance checks, audit support, and updates for Finance and HR leaders.
• Address employee payroll questions through Slack and email in a timely, professional manner; investigate mismatches and escalate issues when needed.
• Work with HR on benefits deductions, leave-related pay adjustments, and new hire setup so onboarding and employee changes run smoothly.
• Assist with year-end activities such as W-2 preparation, payroll tax reconciliation, and coordination with outside tax authorities.
• Maintain documentation that is ready for audit and ensure payroll activities comply with federal and state regulations.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of payroll processing experience; experience with Rippling is strongly preferred.
• Advanced Excel ability, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data validation, and creating reporting templates from the ground up.
• Working understanding of multi-state payroll tax rules, wage and hour laws, and federal payroll requirements.
• Comfort operating in a Slack-first environment and handling asynchronous communication with clear written documentation.
• Strong discretion and professionalism when managing confidential pay and compensation information.
• Background in benefits administration, 401(k) administration, or HRIS integrations is an added advantage; CPP or FPC certification is welcome but not mandatory.

Compensation

The annual salary for this position is $60,000 to $70,000.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development support

Equal Opportunity and Employment Eligibility

Adams Clinical is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Hiring, promotion, pay, transfer, training, discipline, and termination decisions are based on qualifications relevant to the role and are made without discrimination on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, disability, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic.

As a condition of employment, selected candidates must provide documentation proving identity and authorization to work in the United States and complete Form I-9 within the required timeframe. The company participates in E-Verify to verify work eligibility.