Job Title: Payroll & Implementation Specialist
Salary: 50,000-60,000 per month
Location: Remote role (Preference will be given to Tri-city candidates based in Mohali/Chandigarh locations)
Shift Schedule: 8:30PM to 5:30AM (Night Shift)
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Payroll & Implementation Specialist exists to ensure that Suna Solutions Payroll Direct clients receive accurate, compliant, and seamless payroll delivery from initial onboarding through ongoing operations. This role leads payroll implementations across the United States and Canada, establishes strong operational foundations through precise system configuration and data migration, and ensures ongoing payroll execution meets the highest standards of accuracy, compliance, and client experience.
Acting as the primary payroll subject matter expert for assigned clients, this role bridges implementation and operations—ensuring continuity, minimizing risk, and delivering a consistent, high-quality payroll experience for both clients and their employees.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Payroll Implementation Leadership
Lead end-to-end payroll implementations with precision and accountability.
Key Expectations:
- Own full lifecycle payroll onboarding for new clients across the U.S. and Canada.
- Conduct structured discovery sessions to understand payroll structure, workforce composition, benefits, and compliance requirements.
- Guide clients through data collection, validation, and readiness milestones.
- Configure payroll systems (Gusto and Payworks) aligned to client policies and regulatory requirements.
- Ensure seamless transition to go-live with no disruption to employee payroll experience.
Success Looks Like:
On-time, error-free implementations with fully validated data and confident client sign-off.
System Configuration & Payroll Setup
Translate client requirements into accurate, scalable system configurations.
Key Expectations:
- Configure earnings codes, tax settings, deductions, benefits, and garnishments.
- Establish PTO, vacation, and statutory leave accruals aligned to jurisdictional requirements.
- Ensure payroll system setup supports accurate reporting, compliance, and future scalability.
- Validate configurations through structured testing and review.
Success Looks Like:
Clean system architecture with no rework required post go-live.
Year-to-Date (YTD) Data Migration & Validation
Ensure complete and accurate payroll data transfer during implementation.
Key Expectations:
- Load and reconcile YTD payroll data including wages, taxes, deductions, and benefits.
- Validate historical payroll records against source systems.
- Identify and resolve discrepancies prior to go-live.
- Document reconciliation processes and validation outcomes.
Success Looks Like:
Accurate YTD data with zero downstream tax or reporting issues.
Ongoing Payroll Processing & Execution
Deliver consistent, accurate, and timely payroll processing for assigned clients.
Key Expectations:
- Process recurring payrolls in Gusto (U.S.) and Payworks (Canada).
- Review and validate all payroll inputs including hours, compensation changes, bonuses, and adjustments.
- Ensure accurate calculation of all taxes, statutory deductions, and benefit contributions.
- Manage payroll lifecycle events such as new hires, terminations, and off-cycle payments.
Success Looks Like:
On-time payroll with zero errors, corrections, or client escalations.
Payroll Accuracy, Reconciliation & Financial Integrity
Protect financial accuracy across all payroll outputs.
Key Expectations:
- Reconcile payroll registers, tax reports, benefit deductions, and general ledger outputs.
- Identify and resolve discrepancies prior to payroll finalization.
- Support accruals and financial reporting accuracy where required.
- Maintain strong audit trails and documentation.
Success Looks Like:
No payroll discrepancies, clean financial reporting, and audit-ready documentation.
Compliance & Regulatory Management
Ensure full compliance across U.S. and Canadian payroll regulations.
Key Expectations:
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal, state, local, and provincial payroll requirements.
- Monitor regulatory changes and assess impact to client payroll processes.
- Ensure accurate tax filings, remittances, and year-end reporting (W-2, 1099, T4, RL-1, ROEs).
- Support audits and compliance reviews as needed.
Success Looks Like:
Zero compliance issues, accurate filings, and strong regulatory confidence.
Deductions, Benefits & Leave Administration
Ensure accurate setup and ongoing management of all payroll-related deductions and accruals.
Key Expectations:
- Configure and maintain benefit deductions, retirement contributions, and statutory deductions.
- Manage garnishments and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
- Maintain accurate PTO, vacation, and statutory leave accruals across jurisdictions.
- Partner with clients and benefits providers to resolve discrepancies.
Success Looks Like:
Accurate deductions and accruals aligned to plan rules and regulatory standards.
Client Experience & Payroll Advisory
Serve as a trusted payroll partner to clients.
Key Expectations:
- Act as primary point of contact for payroll-related inquiries.
- Provide clear, timely, and professional responses to clients and employees.
- Educate clients on payroll processes, compliance requirements, and best practices.
- Build strong relationships through consistent, high-quality service delivery.
Success Looks Like:
High client satisfaction, trust, and retention driven by payroll expertise.
Minimum Qualifications
- 4+ years of payroll experience supporting both U.S. and Canadian payroll.
- Proven experience leading payroll implementations in an outsourced or multi-client environment.
- Direct experience with payroll systems such as Gusto (U.S.) and Payworks (Canada).
- Strong expertise in:
- YTD payroll data migration and reconciliation
- U.S. federal, state, and local tax requirements
- Canadian federal and provincial payroll regulations
- Benefits, deductions, and leave accruals
- Experience managing multiple client accounts and competing priorities.
- Strong analytical, reconciliation, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent client-facing communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- CPP, PCP, or equivalent payroll certification.
- Experience in payroll outsourcing, PEO, or HR services environments.
- Multi-entity, multi-state, and multi-province payroll experience.
- Experience with HRIS, benefits administration, or accounting system integrations.
- Exposure to payroll process optimization or system implementation projects.
