Mid Level Senior Payroll Specialist Jobs
Mid level senior payroll specialist jobs go to professionals ready to own payroll cycles end to end, resolve complex compliance issues independently, and mentor junior staff without constant oversight. Openings run across Technology & Software, Construction & Real Estate, and Automotive, with Abacus, STERIS, and archer among the employers hiring at this level now.
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Overview
Baker Tilly is a leading advisory, tax and assurance firm, providing clients with a genuine coast-to-coast and global advantage in major regions of the U.S. and in many of the world’s leading financial centers – New York, London, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Boston. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and Baker Tilly US, LLP (Baker Tilly) provide professional services through an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and applicable laws, regulations and professional standards. Baker Tilly US, LLP is a licensed independent CPA firm that provides attest services to its clients. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and its subsidiary entities provide tax and business advisory services to their clients. Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and its subsidiary entities are not licensed CPA firms.
Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP and Baker Tilly US, LLP, trading as Baker Tilly, are independent members of Baker Tilly International, a worldwide network of independent accounting and business advisory firms in 141 territories, with 43,000 professionals and a combined worldwide revenue of $5.2 billion. Visit bakertilly.com or join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
Please discuss the work location status with your Baker Tilly talent acquisition professional to understand the requirements for an opportunity you are exploring.
Baker Tilly is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable federal, state or local law.
Any unsolicited resumes submitted through our website or to Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP, employee e-mail accounts are considered property of Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP, and are not subject to payment of agency fees. In order to be an authorized recruitment agency ("search firm") for Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP, there must be a formal written agreement in place and the agency must be invited, by Baker Tilly's Talent Attraction team, to submit candidates for review via our applicant tracking system.
Job Description
As a Payroll Implementation Specialist within our Human Resources & Payroll Outsourcing team, you will play a key role in configuring and implementing ADP Workforce Now (WFN) for new clients. You’ll work closely with the Project Manager and clients to translate payroll requirements into system solutions, ensuring accurate setup, successful testing, and a smooth transition to ongoing payroll processing and/or support services.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on system work, problem-solving, and bringing payroll operations to life through technology.
What You’ll Do
- Support end-to-end payroll system implementations for new clients across the ADP Workforce Now (WFN) autopay platform
- Configure WFN based on client requirements, including earnings, deductions, tax settings, and employee data
- Partner with the Project Manager to execute implementation plans, timelines, and deliverables
- Gather and document client payroll requirements, processes, and data needs
- Perform data mapping, data validation, and support data migration activities
- Develop and write calculations to deliver to the ADP team for upload on the mainframe
- Execute system testing, including payroll parallel testing, and resolve discrepancies
- Identify and troubleshoot setup issues, escalating complex challenges to ADP as needed and ensuring quick and accurate resolution
- Support integration setup with third-party systems as applicable to each client (e.g., benefits, timekeeping, general ledger)
- Assist in developing and delivering client training on payroll system functionality and processes
- Ensure accuracy and completeness of system configuration prior to client go-live
- Support the transition of clients from implementation to ongoing service teams
What You Bring
- 3–5+ years of payroll experience, with exposure to payroll system implementations or system configuration
- Experience with ADP platforms (Workforce Now) strongly preferred
- Strong understanding of payroll processes, tax regulations, and system workflows
- Experience with payroll data, including employee records, tax setup, and payroll calculations
- Ability to troubleshoot system and payroll issues with strong attention to detail
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data handling (data mapping, validation, etc.)
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
- Effective communication skills, with the ability to explain system processes to clients
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification strongly preferred (or in progress)
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, HR, Accounting, or related field (or equivalent experience)
How You’ll Succeed
- Take a detail-oriented, hands-on approach to system configuration and implementation
- Collaborate effectively and build rapport with the Project Manager, clients, and internal teams
- Proactively identify and resolve issues to keep implementations on track
- Build strong working knowledge of payroll systems and implementation best practices
- Deliver high-quality work that supports a smooth and successful client transition
Why Join Us
You’ll have the opportunity to work on a variety of payroll implementations across industries while building deep expertise in payroll systems and technology. This role offers strong growth potential within a collaborative, client-focused team environment.
The pay rate range for this job position is $85,910 to $162,890. Actual compensation is influenced by a variety of relevant factors including but not limited to applicant’s skills, prior experience, qualifications, degrees, professional certifications, work arrangements and geographic location. Baker Tilly offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package to eligible employees.
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Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Construction & Real Estate
- Automotive
- Medical Devices
- Accounting & Auditing
Mid Level Senior Payroll Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a mid level senior payroll specialist job?
Position your experience around ownership and accuracy: highlight payroll runs you managed independently, compliance issues you resolved, and any process improvements you led. Tailor your resume to show depth in payroll systems like ADP, Workday, or Ceridian, and emphasize your familiarity with multi-state tax rules. Recruiters at this level want evidence you can handle complexity without close supervision.
Which companies hire mid level senior payroll specialists?
Companies hiring mid level senior payroll specialists right now include Abacus, STERIS, and archer, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Hiring at this level covers large enterprises with high-volume payroll needs, regional employers scaling their HR operations, and professional services firms that require strong compliance expertise.
Are there remote mid level senior payroll specialist jobs?
Yes, remote and hybrid options are common at this level. About 36% of mid level senior payroll specialist openings are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting how payroll work translates well to distributed teams. Fully on-site roles still exist, particularly at companies with complex multi-location operations that prefer hands-on coordination.
How do I move up to a mid level senior payroll specialist role?
Growth from entry level into a mid level senior payroll specialist role comes from taking on progressively more complex payroll responsibilities over time. Build depth in multi-state or multi-entity payroll, get comfortable owning full payroll cycles, and pursue certifications like the FPC or CPP. Demonstrating measurable impact, such as reducing errors or improving processing time, signals readiness for mid level ownership.
Which industries hire the most mid level senior payroll specialists?
Mid Level senior payroll specialist roles concentrate in Technology & Software, Construction & Real Estate, and Automotive, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. These sectors tend to employ large, distributed workforces with complex payroll needs, driving consistent demand for professionals who can manage compliance, reporting, and processing at scale.