HR Generalist - Payroll

Summary

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented HR Generalist with a strong payroll focus to lead and support multi-state and international payroll operations, while also contributing to core HR functions such as employee relations, benefits administration, and compliance. This role will be central to maintaining accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing across 28 U.S. states and Canada, and will help support the continued growth of our team.

The ideal candidate will be highly skilled in Paylocity, experienced in managing global payroll systems, and confident navigating state-specific payroll setups, particularly in states like California. They will also bring a solid understanding of employee lifecycle operations and a proactive approach to solving payroll and HR-related challenges.

This role is critical in upholding our core value: “We care deeply about and support the well-being of our team.”

Key Responsibilities 

Payroll & Compliance

• Own the end-to-end payroll process for U.S. and Canadian employees, ensuring accurate and timely processing through Paylocity and other platforms.
• Manage multi-state payroll compliance, including new state setup, tax registrations, and wage/hour law adherence—particularly in complex states like California.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and provincial tax regulations, labor laws, and reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with Finance to reconcile payroll, resolve discrepancies, and support audits or reporting needs.
• Administer and maintain employee data within payroll and HR systems, ensuring data integrity and security.
• Coordinate with Employee of Record (EOR) partners for international payroll compliance and onboarding.

HR Support

• Act as a point of contact for employees regarding payroll, benefits, and HR-related questions.
  Support conflict resolution, performance management processes, and employee relations with professionalism and confidentiality.
• Help administer and improve benefits programs and open enrollment processes.
• Ensure HR policies and procedures reflect the most up-to-date regulatory and compliance standards.
• Assist with onboarding, offboarding, and employee recordkeeping, ensuring all payroll-related data is processed correctly and in a timely manner.

Process Improvement & Reporting

• Identify opportunities to improve payroll operations and implement scalable processes.
• Generate regular reports on payroll metrics, compensation trends, and audit outcomes.
• Work cross-functionally to streamline HR and payroll systems and processes.

Required Qualifications and Key Competencies

• Associate’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field; FPC or CPP certification strongly preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in payroll, HR, or people operations, with a focus on multi-state and cross-border payroll administration.
• Proficiency in Paylocity, including system configuration, reporting, and payroll processing.
  Experience setting up and managing payroll in new states, including tax agency registration and compliance.
• Strong understanding of wage and hour laws, tax filings, payroll deductions, and benefits integration.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.

Preferred Skills

• Experience working with global payroll providers or Employer of Record (EOR) platforms.
• Familiarity with HRIS integrations and systems optimization.
• Knowledge of payroll-related reporting tools and compliance documentation.
• Proficient in Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, Slides, Forms).
• Certifications such as FPC or CPP (Fundamental Payroll Certification or Certified Payroll Professional) are a plus.

Company Culture & Perks

• We foster a culture of collaboration with cameras-on during meetings and a robust Slack environment for communication. 
• Nine (9) Company-paid Holidays and generous Family Leave. Paid time off is accrued monthly.
• Competitive 401(k) matching, health, dental, and vision insurance is offered for full time employees. 
• Vacations are encouraged with a bonus for taking 5 consecutive days. Employee referrals are bonused. Topstep offers a food and groceries budget and contributes towards health and wellness.

New Hire Base Salary Range

• $65,000-$75,000
• Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.
• The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Topstep is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees and applicants are valued. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status, in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Interested in the role? Apply today with your resume and cover letter!