Find & Apply For Payroll Specialist Jobs in Forest Lake, Minnesota

About Three Pillars Three Pillars Accounting & Business Services is a growing accounting and business services firm providing payroll, bookkeeping, accounting, HR, and business advisory services to businesses across a variety of industries. Our clients depend on us to make sure payroll is accurate, deadlines are met, required filings are completed, and questions or problems are handled professionally. Our goal is to be the first call our clients make when they have a business question. The Position We are looking for an Experienced Payroll Specialist who can independently manage recurring payroll for multiple business clients. This is not an entry-level payroll processing position. We're looking for someone who understands payroll, is extremely organized, pays attention to details, communicates well, and can manage multiple deadlines. You do not need to know the answer to every payroll situation. We want someone who knows routine payroll well, recognizes when something isn't right, researches unfamiliar situations, asks good questions, and knows when an issue should be brought to another team member. What You'll Be Responsible For Manage payroll for multiple business clients Process weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payrolls Review payroll information for completeness and accuracy Set up new employees and maintain payroll records Manage deductions, benefits, PTO, and garnishments Monitor payroll deadlines Assist with federal, state, and local payroll tax requirements Prepare and/or review quarterly and annual payroll filings Assist with Forms 941, 940, W-2, W-3, and applicable state filings Assist with 1099 processing and year-end reporting Reconcile payroll reports and payroll liability accounts Prepare routine payroll journal entries Identify and resolve routine payroll discrepancies Research unfamiliar payroll situations Assist with payroll tax notices and agency correspondence Communicate directly with clients regarding payroll questions and missing information Follow up with clients before payroll deadlines when information is missing Assist with onboarding new payroll clients Document payroll issues and resolutions Work with senior team members on more complicated payroll or compliance issues Follow and help improve Three Pillars payroll procedures and checklists What We're Looking For The ideal candidate will have: 3+ years of hands-on payroll experience Experience independently processing payroll from beginning to end Experience working with multiple companies or payroll clients preferred Working knowledge of federal payroll taxes and reporting Experience with state payroll taxes Multi-state payroll experience is a plus Experience with payroll deductions, benefits, PTO, and garnishments Experience preparing or assisting with quarterly and annual payroll filings Ability to reconcile payroll reports and liabilities Strong attention to detail and accuracy Excellent organization and time-management skills Ability to manage multiple payroll deadlines Strong problem-solving skills Ability to research unfamiliar payroll situations Strong written and verbal communication skills Ability to communicate professionally with business owners Ability to work independently while still being part of a team Willingness to ask questions when appropriate Ability to accept feedback and apply it Experience with QuickBooks Online and/or QuickBooks Desktop Experience with payroll platforms such as QuickBooks Payroll, ADP, Gusto, Paychex, or similar systems Accounting firm, outsourced payroll, or multi-client payroll experience is preferred. CPP certification is a plus but is not required. Real-world payroll experience, accuracy, organization, problem-solving ability, and willingness to learn are more important to us. What Makes Someone Successful at Three Pillars? Payroll requires accuracy and organization. We want someone who notices when something doesn't look right. Maybe an employee's pay changed unexpectedly. A deduction isn't calculating correctly. A payroll liability isn't clearing. A client hasn't provided their hours. Or a tax notice arrives that you've never seen before. We don't expect you to immediately know every answer.

We expect you to:

Recognize the problem. Investigate it. Research what you don't know. Communicate. Ask for help when appropriate. Follow through until the issue is resolved. We would rather have someone ask a good question than guess and create a larger problem. This Position May Be a Great Fit If You... Enjoy payroll and working with numbers Are extremely organized Take deadlines seriously Take pride in accurate work Like solving problems Enjoy researching unfamiliar situations Can manage multiple clients and deadlines Are comfortable communicating with business owners Can work independently without needing constant supervision Are comfortable asking questions Accept feedback and continue learning Enjoy working as part of a team Why Join Three Pillars? You'll work with many different businesses, industries, payroll schedules, and payroll situations. This provides broader experience than processing payroll for a single company. You'll also work alongside our bookkeeping and accounting team, allowing you to better understand how payroll connects to the overall financial picture of a business. You'll have experienced team members available when you encounter something new, while still having responsibility for managing your own payroll work. As Three Pillars grows, there will be opportunities to take on additional responsibilities in payroll, client management, compliance, training, and other areas of the firm. Benefits Flexible schedule Paid time off Professional development assistance Bonus opportunities Monday-Friday schedule Opportunities for advancement Small-business team environment where your ideas matter

Pay:

$25.00 - $31.00 per hour Expected hours: 30.0 - 40.0 per week

Benefits:

Employee assistance program Flexible schedule Paid time off Professional development assistance

Work Location:

In person