Payroll Specialist

Overview

Breakwater Accounting & Advisory provides outsourced bookkeeping and accounting services for businesses and nonprofit organizations across the US. We embrace technology to work smarter not harder, and we strive to provide value-add service to each and every client. We are a Woman-Lead company, rated a top workplace by the Delaware News Journal four years in a row, and have been featured on the Inc 5000 list of fastest growing companies.

Our Philosophy :

Great people first, technology-forward thinking second – with just the right combination.

At Breakwater, we offer a flexible, positive, and energetic workplace where teamwork and initiative are highly valued. Our culture thrives on positivity and a customer service-oriented focus.

All of our team members are guided by Breakwater's Core Principles. We are : proactive, positive, purposeful, protective, prepared, and principled.

The Role and Responsibilities

We are seeking a highly skilled Payroll Specialist to join our growing team. This role is dedicated to managing payroll and compliance across multiple clients and jurisdictions, serving as a subject-matter expert to ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in payroll operations.

This is a unique opportunity to not only specialize in payroll but also help build—and, in the future, potentially lead—a dedicated mini department focused exclusively on payroll and compliance. You'll play a key role in shaping processes, navigating multi-state regulations, and supporting our clients with excellence and scalability.

• Payroll Processing : Accurately process payroll for multiple clients across different states and jurisdictions using various systems (Gusto, ADP, Paychex, etc.). Ensure correct setup and administration of benefits and deductions including 401(k), IRAs, healthcare premiums, garnishments, and other withholdings.
• Technology & Systems : Leverage cloud-based platforms such as QuickBooks Online (QBO), Xero, and other payroll integrations to streamline operations. Manage and reconcile data feeds from timekeeping and scheduling systems (e.g., TSheets / QuickBooks Time, Deputy, When I Work, etc.) to ensure payroll accuracy and compliance.
• Compliance Management : Research, monitor, and apply payroll laws, wage and hour regulations, and tax requirements across states and jurisdictions.
• Client Management : Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll-related inquiries, managing multiple client relationships with professionalism and accuracy.
• Reporting & Documentation : Prepare payroll reports, reconciliations, and compliance filings as required.
• Process Improvement : Identify opportunities for greater efficiency, automation, and standardization within payroll operations.
• Team Collaboration : Work as part of a team-based approach to payroll, collaborating with colleagues and supporting the development of a payroll-focused service offering.

Qualifications

Preferred Skills

Benefits

All of our team members are guided by Breakwater's Core Principles. We are : proactive, positive, purposeful, protective, and principled

Breakwater Accounting + Advisory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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What makes you a strong candidate for this position?

What Payroll software(s) are you most familiar with?

Do you have experience bookkeeping or accounting for multiple clients simultaneously?

Example : CPA firms

Do you have experience using QuickBooks Online (QBO) within the last 5 years?

Desired salary

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Are you authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship?

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