Sr. Payroll & Compensation Specialist

CPRS•Bellevue, WA

3d•$70,000 - $78,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a highly detail-oriented Sr Payroll & Compensation Specialist to support end-to-end payroll operations across the United States and Canada while managing a variety of complex commission, draw, and bonus calculations. This role plays a critical part in ensuring payroll accuracy, compliance, internal controls, and an exceptional employee experience. The ideal candidate is extremely comfortable working in spreadsheets, understands the importance of cross-referencing data and building checks and balances, and thrives in a collaborative, cross-functional environment. Experience with Canadian payroll is a significant advantage.

Requirements

Proven experience in payroll processing (U.S. required; Canada strongly preferred)
Advanced proficiency in spreadsheets (Excel or Google Sheets), including complex formulas and reconciliations
Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
Strong understanding of internal controls, cross-referencing, and audit-ready processes
Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and integrity
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Nice To Haves

Experience managing multi-state payroll compliance
Experience with commission-heavy or sales-driven compensation environments
Familiarity with payroll systems and HRIS platforms
Background in Finance, Accounting, Payroll, or Human Resources
Experience supporting fast-growing or multi-jurisdiction organizations

Responsibilities

Process accurate and timely payroll for U.S. and Canadian employees
Manage payroll-related compliance at the federal, state/provincial, and local levels
Register the business in new U.S. states as required for employment and payroll purposes
Process final pay for terminated employees in accordance with applicable laws
Participate in quarterly and year-end payroll reconciliations
Maintain strong internal controls and audit-ready payroll documentation
Ensure payroll data integrity through cross-checks, reconciliations, and validation processes
Calculate, track, and reconcile multiple commission structures and bonus plans
Manage commission draw calculations and ongoing draw balances
Ensure commission and bonus payments align with plan documents and employment agreements
Build and maintain spreadsheet models to support complex calculations
Implement checks and balances to prevent errors and ensure transparency
Partner with Sales, Finance, and HR to validate inputs and resolve discrepancies
Serve as a trusted resource for employee payroll, commission, and compensation-related questions
Collaborate closely with HR, Finance, Sales Operations, and People Leaders across the company
Communicate clearly and professionally regarding payroll timing, calculations, and corrections
Support a positive employee experience by responding promptly and accurately to inquiries
Monitor and manage state and provincial payroll compliance requirements
Maintain proper segregation of duties, approvals, and documentation
Assist with internal and external audits related to payroll and compensation
Ensure adherence to company policies and applicable employment regulations
Support ongoing total rewards management initiatives for team members
Assist with routine compensation benchmarking and market analysis
Participate in evaluating compensation programs, incentive plans, and select employee benefits
Help maintain compensation data, documentation, and reporting accuracy
Supporting payroll system implementations or upgrades
Documenting payroll and commission calculation procedures and controls
Assisting with compensation plan design analysis and modeling
Supporting benefits administration activities in partnership with HR
Creating recurring payroll, commission, and compensation reports for leadership
Participating in process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and accuracy