Payroll Specialist

About the Role

Acrisure is seeking a Payroll Specialist in Grand Rapids, MI or Naperville, IL to support the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of payroll across a defined employee population and set of business units. This role operates with responsibility for assigned payrolls, ensuring precision, compliance, and high-quality employee experience. The Payroll Specialist performs full-cycle payroll processing activities within established guidelines, manages payroll data integrity, and serves as a key point of contact for payroll inquiries within their assigned scope. The role requires strong ownership, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume multi-entity environment.

Responsibilities

• Payroll Administration & Processing: Independently process assigned payrolls across multiple frequencies and entities for a designated employee population; serve as the primary payroll contact for assigned business units, divisions, and/or agency partners, ensuring timely resolution of payroll-related needs; compile, review, and validate payroll inputs including hours, earnings, deductions, tax elections, and adjustments for accuracy and compliance; perform full-cycle payroll activities including regular payroll runs, off-cycle payments, and corrections within defined thresholds; research and resolve routine-to-moderately complex payroll discrepancies and issues, escalating when outside of established parameters; maintain accurate payroll records and system data ensuring data integrity across the HRIS/Payroll platforms; process recurring commission payments in accordance with established plans and payroll schedules; validate commission data and partner with Finance and business leaders to resolve discrepancies prior to payroll processing.
• Payroll Data Management & Compliance: Ensure payroll transactions comply with federal, state, and local regulations as well as internal policies and controls; execute payroll audits and reconciliations for assigned payrolls, identifying and resolving payroll variances within established parameters; support year-end activities including W-2 validation, reporting, and audit preparation for assigned scope; maintain documentation and payroll records in accordance with retention requirements and audit standards.
• Reporting/Timekeeping: Preparation and distribution of standard payroll reports; maintenance/validation of employee time records or timekeeping data; support for timekeeping corrections prior to payroll processing.
• Employee & Stakeholder Support: Respond to payroll inquiries via ServiceNow and other channels for assigned employee groups, providing accurate and timely resolution; deliver a high level of customer service while interpreting and explaining payroll policies, procedures, and pay outcomes; escalate complex, high-risk, or policy-sensitive issues as appropriate; maintain clear and complete documentation of all inquiries, actions taken, and resolutions.
• Operational Execution: Follow established payroll procedures and internal controls with a strong adherence to accuracy and deadlines; monitor payroll cycles for assigned populations to ensure timely execution and minimal errors; identify recurring issues or inefficiencies and communicate observations to Payroll leadership; participate in training and cross-function learning to reinforce payroll expertise and system proficiency.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience with multi-state payroll processing or high-volume payroll environments.
• Strong customer service and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven attention to detail and accuracy in transactional work.
• Ability to manage multiple payroll cycles and deadlines simultaneously.
• Experience working with confidential and sensitive information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel (data validation, formulas, and reconciliation support).
• 3 – 5 years of payroll, HR, accounting, finance, or related operational experience.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Qualifications

• Preferred: Hands-on experience with payroll systems (Workday, ADP, UKG, or similar); experience supporting multi-entity payroll structures or complex payroll inputs; experience with full cycle and high-volume payroll processing (~3,000 employees); exposure to payroll compliance, audits, and reporting activities; experience in centralized payroll function supporting distributed business units; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.

Pay

The base compensation range for this position is $30 - $33 per hour. Placement within the range will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to skills, experience, qualifications, location, and internal equity. Candidates should be comfortable with an on-site presence to support collaboration, team leadership, and cross-functional partnership.

Benefits

• Physical Wellness: Comprehensive medical insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance; life and disability insurance; fertility benefits; wellness resources; and paid sick time.
• Mental Wellness: Generous paid time off and holidays; Employee Assistance Program (EAP); and a complimentary Calm app subscription.
• Financial Wellness: Immediate vesting in a 401(k) plan; Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options; commuter benefits; and employee discount programs.
• Family Care: Paid maternity leave and paid paternity leave (including for adoptive parents); legal plan options; and pet insurance coverage.

Benefits may vary based on subsidiary entity and geographic location. Eligibility and waiting periods may apply to certain offerings.