Payroll Processor - Contract-to-Hire

Title Payroll Processor (Contract-to-Hire) — Remote (MI or PA only) — ~5 hrs/week (growing) About the Role I run a small bookkeeping firm supporting small businesses and nonprofits. I’m looking for an experienced, detail-oriented Payroll Processor to take ownership of multi-client payroll processing and related payroll admin. This is a contract-to-hire role (not guaranteed permanent). The contract period is expected to be 3–6 months, after which we’ll review fit and workload for a potential move to a permanent part-time employee role. • Location requirement: Must be US-based and located in Michigan (MI) or Pennsylvania (PA) for the contract phase and potential hire. • Schedule: Remote and flexible hours, but you must be reliably available around payroll processing deadlines and have some weekday availability (clients are generally Mon–Fri, 9–5). • Hours: Approximately 5 hours/week to start, with the potential for more as we grow. • Pay: $20–$25/hour (DOE) • Background check: Required • No agencies. Responsibilities You’ll support multiple clients and payroll schedules (weekly, biweekly, semi-monthly, and monthly), plus contractor payments that may follow a different timing than payroll. Key responsibilities include: Payroll Processing & Maintenance • Run full-cycle payroll accurately and on time across multiple client accounts • Set up and maintain new hires, employee changes, and terminations • Process adjustments, corrections, and off-cycle payrolls • Set up and manage garnishments (as needed) • Enter and maintain benefits/deductions within payroll systems • Support PTO tracking and accrual setup/maintenance where applicable Reconciliation / Accuracy / Reporting • Reconcile payroll activity to client books (as applicable) and ensure payroll entries are correct • Review payroll tax forms and filings to confirm they are accurate and submitted • Identify missing filings or issues and take appropriate next steps to resolve them Compliance & Problem-Solving • Research and follow state payroll requirements (including multi-state considerations) • Help clients understand what’s needed for compliance and, when necessary, support manual filing guidance Client Support & Vendor Coordination • Communicate professionally with clients to collect needed info, answer payroll questions, and resolve issues • Provide tax notice support (triage, respond, and coordinate resolution) • Contact payroll providers (e.g., Gusto, ADP, QBO Payroll) as needed for troubleshooting and escalations Year-End & Special Projects • Support year-end processes including W-2 and 1099 workflows • Support workers’ comp audits and related payroll documentation requests Systems We Use Experience with one or more is required; strong candidates can ramp quickly across tools: • Gusto • ADP • QuickBooks Online Payroll (QBO Payroll) Requirements (Must Have) • 1+ year payroll processing experience (strong preference for 3+ years) • Demonstrated experience running payroll end-to-end (not just data entry) • Comfortable working in a multi-client environment with varied pay schedules and deadlines • Knowledge of: • Multi-state payroll basics and how to research requirements by state • commissions and bonuses • garnishments • PTO and accrual concepts • benefits/deduction setup inside payroll systems • Strong attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines consistently • Clear, professional client communication (written and verbal) • US-based and residing in MI or PA • Willing to complete a background check • No agencies Nice to Have • Experience working at a bookkeeping/accounting firm or supporting multiple client payrolls concurrently • Experience with nonprofits (including grant allocation awareness) • FPC or CPP certification (not required) • Comfort owning payroll clean-up projects and improving processes/SOPs About Working With Me / Our Team We’re a small team with predictable deadlines that are tracked, and we value: • Autonomy: you’re trusted to manage your work without micromanagement • Responsiveness: clients need timely answers during the workweek • High standards: payroll deadlines can’t be missed, and accuracy matters If you like clear expectations, steady workflow, and being treated like a capable professional, you’ll fit well here. Contract-to-Hire Details (Please Read) This role starts as contract with the intent to hire, but permanent employment is not guaranteed. After 3–6 months, we’ll review: • quality and accuracy • reliability with deadlines • communication/responsiveness • workload needs and growth How to Apply (LinkedIn Only) Please apply through LinkedIn (no direct emails, please). In your application, include: • A resume (PDF preferred) • A short note covering: • Your payroll experience (years + types of payroll schedules you’ve handled) • Which systems you’ve used (Gusto/ADP/QBO Payroll and any others) • Your state of residence (MI or PA) and your typical weekday availability • Your desired hourly rate within $20–$25/hr Applications missing MI/PA location and payroll system experience may not be considered.