Payroll Specialist

About Us

Breakwater Accounting & Advisory provides outsourced bookkeeping and accounting services for businesses and nonprofit organizations across the US. We embrace technology to work smarter not harder, and we strive to provide value-add service to each and every client. We are a Woman-Lead company, rated a top workplace by the Delaware News Journal four years in a row, and have been featured on the Inc 5000 list of fastest growing companies.

Our Philosophy

Great people first, technology-forward thinking second – with just the right combination.

At Breakwater, we offer a flexible, positive, and energetic workplace where teamwork and initiative are highly valued. Our culture thrives on positivity and a customer service-oriented focus.

All of our team members are guided by Breakwater’s Core Principles. We are: proactive, positive, purposeful, protective, prepared, and principled.

The Role And Responsibilities

We are seeking a highly skilled Payroll Specialist to join our growing team. This role is dedicated to managing payroll and compliance across multiple clients and jurisdictions, serving as a subject-matter expert to ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in payroll operations.

This is a unique opportunity to not only specialize in payroll but also help build—and, in the future, potentially lead—a dedicated mini department focused exclusively on payroll and compliance. You’ll play a key role in shaping processes, navigating multi-state regulations, and supporting our clients with excellence and scalability.

• Payroll Processing: Accurately process payroll for multiple clients across different states and jurisdictions using various systems (Gusto, ADP, Paychex, etc.). Ensure correct setup and administration of benefits and deductions including 401(k), IRAs, healthcare premiums, garnishments, and other withholdings.
• Technology & Systems: Leverage cloud-based platforms such as QuickBooks Online (QBO), Xero, and other payroll integrations to streamline operations. Manage and reconcile data feeds from timekeeping and scheduling systems (e.g., TSheets/QuickBooks Time, Deputy, When I Work, etc.) to ensure payroll accuracy and compliance.
• Compliance Management: Research, monitor, and apply payroll laws, wage and hour regulations, and tax requirements across states and jurisdictions.
• Client Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll-related inquiries, managing multiple client relationships with professionalism and accuracy.
• Reporting & Documentation: Prepare payroll reports, reconciliations, and compliance filings as required.
• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities for greater efficiency, automation, and standardization within payroll operations.
• Team Collaboration: Work as part of a team-based approach to payroll, collaborating with colleagues and supporting the development of a payroll-focused service offering.
  
  

Qualifications

• 3 years of payroll experience, ideally in a multi-client or multi-state environment.
• Proficiency with payroll systems such as Gusto, ADP, Paychex (experience with multiple systems strongly preferred).
• Strong working knowledge of QuickBooks Online (QBO), Xero, and related technology integrations.
• In-depth understanding of payroll compliance requirements across multiple states.
• Experience with state payroll tax portals and registrations, with the ability to advise clients and manage compliance set-ups across jurisdictions.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple client needs simultaneously.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain payroll and compliance concepts clearly to clients.
• Proactive, resourceful, and detail-oriented.
  
  

Preferred Skills

• Experience in an outsourced accounting, bookkeeping, or client services firm.
• Familiarity with HR/payroll compliance resources and best practices.
• Interest in building and scaling a specialized payroll department.
  
  

What would we offer you?

• Opportunity to specialize in payroll and compliance within a collaborative, client-focused environment.
• Exposure to a variety of industries and payroll systems.
• Supportive team culture with emphasis on innovation, technology, and professional growth.
• Ability to help shape the future of a payroll-focused service offering within our firm.
• A base salary of $50,000-$65,000
  
  

All of our team members are guided by Breakwater’s Core Principles. We are: proactive, positive, purposeful, protective, and principled. If these principles resonate with you, too, let’s talk.

Breakwater Accounting Advisory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.