Payroll Specialist

About BBSI

Barrett Business Services, Inc. (BBSI) supports business owners by handling critical back-office functions so they can stay focused on running and growing their companies. Its services include outsourced HR, risk consulting, payroll administration, insurance, and recruiting for small and mid-sized businesses.

This role is an important part of the business unit team and serves as a consultant across a wide range of operational and management topics. The main goal is to deliver accurate payrolls on time for roughly 60 to 80 clients, each with different pay schedules, cycles, and complexity levels. The specialist will also partner with clients to better understand their payroll and accounting workflows and recommend improvements where possible.

The ideal candidate brings solid business judgment, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a proactive approach to delivering value for both clients and internal teams. This position reports to the Area Manager and works closely with colleagues across the business unit, branch, and corporate office.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle large volumes of precise on-cycle and off-cycle payrolls for multiple client companies, covering more than 800 employees.
• Develop strong working knowledge of new client setup, BBSI payroll tools, CRM platforms such as Salesforce, timekeeping systems, and HRIS platforms, while identifying ways to improve outcomes for clients and the business unit.
• Provide payroll software and on-site client training, including guidance on relevant features and functionality.
• Serve as the go-to resource on client payroll data, including turnover, seasonal or changing headcount, time and attendance, payroll bridge creation, import/export needs, prevailing wage handling, job costing, certified payroll, and custom or standard reporting.

Experience and Requirements

• At least 5 years of payroll experience, preferably in a fast-moving, multi-client environment.
• Strong focus on client service and a track record of delivering excellent customer support.
• Proven ability to improve processes and streamline work within a team or department.
• Background in bookkeeping or accounting is an advantage.
• Self-motivated, driven, and committed to contributing to the success of business owners.
• Working knowledge of wage and hour regulations and wage taxability.
• Exposure to workers’ compensation claims administration is helpful.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people at all organizational levels.
• Professional presentation, with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent time management and the ability to collaborate with limited supervision.
• Hands-on systems experience, including MS Office tools such as Outlook, Excel, and Word; CRM and Citrix experience is preferred.
• Associate degree preferred; an advanced degree is a plus.
• CPP or FPC certification is strongly preferred.
• Willingness to spend about 10% of time outside the office for local travel within 50 miles for client visits and onsite training.

Compensation and Benefits

The starting hourly pay for this position is between $27.00 and $32.00, with the final rate influenced by location, skills, education, experience, certifications, and other qualifications. The role is also eligible for incentive pay under the company’s plan.

Benefits may include medical insurance, HSA, FSA, dental, vision, 401(k), AD&D, life insurance, voluntary life, voluntary disability, voluntary accident, voluntary critical illness, voluntary hospital indemnity, legal support, identity and fraud protection, commuter benefits, pet insurance, an employee stock purchase program, and an employee assistance program.

Paid Time Off and Leave

This position includes 40 hours of paid sick leave per year, with any additional sick leave, front-loading, or accrual handled according to applicable state or regional rules. Vacation accrual is up to 80 hours in the first year, up to 120 hours in years 2 through 4, and up to 160 hours starting in the fifth year. The role also provides 6 paid holidays and 4 paid volunteer days annually.

Culture and Equal Opportunity

BBSI emphasizes inclusion and diversity as core parts of its culture and works to create an environment where employees feel respected, empowered, and fairly treated. Hiring decisions are based on merit, and the company is an equal opportunity employer.

Application Notes

Applicants who meet the stated qualifications are encouraged to submit their application through the posting. Direct contact with local or corporate offices is not requested.