Payroll Implementation Specialist

RLR, LLP•Fort Collins, CO

About The Position

RLR, LLP is a growing full-service public accounting firm with offices in Northern Colorado and Southeast Wyoming. Our firm is one of the leading firms in the area focused on small business clients. By combining our expertise, experience and the energy of our staff, each client receives close personal and professional attention. We place a strong emphasis on providing excellent client care to our small business clients. We strive to maintain an ideal work/life balance while offering a wonderful learning environment, exceptional professional growth, and varied and challenging work. Our team approach to client service, casual work environment and flexible hours provides our team members with superior work life balance. As a growing CPA firm committed to excellence, we are seeking to expand our team with a highly organized and client-focused Payroll Implementation Specialist who will play a critical role in onboarding new payroll clients and supporting ongoing payroll operations. In this role, you will lead end-to-end payroll implementations, including client discovery, system configuration, data validation, testing, training, and go-live support, while also providing continued payroll processing and compliance support as needed. This position offers an exciting opportunity to manage complex implementations, build strong client relationships, and contribute to the firm's continued growth and success.

Requirements

2–5 years payroll experience, including multi state payroll.
2–5 years experience in payroll software implementation or system onboarding.
Strong understanding of payroll regulations, compliance, wage & hour laws, and tax rules.
Experience with multiple payroll systems and configuring new client accounts.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with advanced Excel skills (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, data imports).
Sound technical knowledge and ability to learn new platforms quickly.
Strong project management and ability to meet strict timelines.
Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage concurrent client implementations.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
Exceptional problem solving and analytical abilities.
Excellent communication and customer service skills.
Ability to utilize cross platform tools to support system functionality.

Nice To Haves

FPC or CPP certification preferred.
Experience with platforms such as ADP, Paylocity, iSolved, Paychex, or similar software.
Background in client service or consulting environments.

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end implementation of payroll solutions for new clients
Serve as the primary client contact throughout onboarding and system setup.
Meet with clients to gather required company, employee, tax, and payroll data.
Audit and assess each client's business needs to determine optimal system configuration.
Create detailed project plans outlining tasks, milestones, deadlines, and deliverables.
Customize payroll software based on client requirements and firm standards.
Maintain regular communication with clients, obtaining feedback and approval at key stages.
Prepare customized client documentation outlining all system configurations and settings.
Configure payroll systems (earnings, deductions, taxes, direct deposit, GL, benefits, etc.).
Set up federal, state, and local payroll tax accounts and verify compliance.
Import, audit, and validate client payroll data for accuracy and completeness.
Test all system functionalities to ensure a smooth transition ahead of client training.
Customize employer workflows, approvals, reporting structures, and user access levels.
Train managers and key client personnel on system functionality and payroll best practices.
Educate clients on customized features, reporting tools, and ongoing payroll procedures.
Provide ongoing assistance after go live to ensure successful adoption of the system.
Process payroll for clients as needed.
Audit and provide corrective feedback for client payroll records.
Manage payroll updates including terminations, rate changes, deductions, benefits, and garnishments.
Process payroll tax payments and file quarterly payroll tax returns.
Generate year end forms including W 2s and 1099s.
Perform other payroll or implementation duties as assigned by the direct manager.