Hire the Best Payroll Specialists

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4.7/5
Based on 1,753 client reviews
Hussain A.

Gilgit, Pakistan

$10/hr
5.0
3 jobs

I am a full-time Bookkeeper/Accountant willing to join fast growing team in any industry that is exploding with growth and opportunity. I can help your business with following Accounting activities: -General Recordkeeping/Accounting -Day-to-day management of accounts, including AP/AR -Preparing reports and analysis of cashflow, profit & loss statements, balance sheets and other pertinent business financial data -Ensuring compliance with accounting laws, timely tax filings and other payments -Managing transactional data entry, journal entries and general book-keeping duties -Ensuring bank transactions and expense data have been properly coded and entered into the GL -Tracking inventory valuation and accurate cost of goods sold data -Preparing financial statements -Handling of accounts payable and check runs -Overseeing invoicing and accounts receivable management -Processing payroll and some limited human resource functions like tracking of accrued vacation time -Oversight of important business metrics such as inventory turnover ratios, profitability and sales performance -Verify and analyze business performance and financial data -Perform audits and oversee accurate recordkeeping -Assist with the preparation of business tax returns, income statements and balance sheets -Prepare and analyze with management forecasting data, trends and capital needs for future business growth and sustainability

  • Payroll Accounting
  • Account Reconciliation
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Accounts Receivable
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Data Entry
  • Financial Accounting
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Xero
  • Bookkeeping
  • QuickBooks Online
  • Accounts Receivable Management
  • Accounts Payable Management
Faye L.

General Santos, Philippines

$15/hr
5.0
1 jobs

I’m an HR professional with experience in HR operations, global payroll, benefits administration, talent acquisition, employee relations, and compliance. In my prior roles, I support global HR operations, including processing payroll for contractors, reviewing and validating payroll information, coordinating payments, and assisting with U.S. employee benefits administration. I also support health insurance enrollment and renewals, audit benefits submissions, maintain employee records, and respond to employee HR-related inquiries. My experience also includes talent acquisition and recruitment, where I source and screen candidates through platforms such as Workable, Indeed, and Upwork, conduct interviews alongside recruiters, and provide candidate feedback and recommendations. I’ve worked on specialized recruitment for Language Data Quality Reviewers and SMEs, where sourcing requires specific language proficiency, subject-matter expertise, AI experience, location, and budget considerations. I’m detail-oriented, organized, and comfortable handling confidential information and working with different teams to keep HR processes accurate and on schedule. I also enjoy improving processes, learning new systems, and finding practical ways to make day-to-day HR operations more efficient. Key areas of expertise include: • Global Recruitment & Talent Support • HR Operations & Administration • Employee Onboarding & Compliance • U.S. & Global Payroll Support • HR Documentation & Audit Tracking • Deel HRIS & Workforce Management • Benefits Administration & Employee Support • Data Management, Auditing & Reporting • Candidate Sourcing & Screening • Cross-Functional Team Coordination • Customer & Technical Support • Inventory & Records Reconciliation Experienced in: ✔ Managing end-to-end onboarding processes ✔ Coordinating with global teams across multiple time zones ✔ Supporting payroll and compliance-related processes ✔ Maintaining accurate HR records, trackers, and reports ✔ Handling employee inquiries and operational support tasks ✔ Conducting audits and resolving discrepancies efficiently Core areas: HR Operations | Global Payroll | Benefits Administration | Talent Acquisition | Employee Relations | HR Compliance | HRIS | Recruitment | Process Improvement

  • Payroll Accounting
  • Human Resource Management
  • Staff Recruitment & Management
  • Bookkeeping
  • QuickBooks Online
  • Virtual Assistance
  • Slack
  • Administrative Support
  • Google
  • Personal Administration
  • Customer Service
  • Technical Support
  • Payroll Reconciliation
  • Microsoft Office
  • Google Sheets
Kyle M.

Garden Grove, California

$75/hr
5.0
23 jobs

Need payroll that goes out accurately and on time, every cycle? That is what we do best. At PayAdvisors, you are not hiring one freelancer. You are bringing on a full payroll and HR team that owns the whole process, from running each pay run to staying ahead of tax filings and multi-state compliance. We work inside the systems you already use, so nothing skips a beat during the transition. Our team includes former ADP specialists and PHR and SHRM-CP certified HR pros with decades of combined experience. We support clients on ADP Workforce Now, Gusto, Paylocity, and Rippling, and we are comfortable with the cases that trip up most providers, like California final pay rules and multi-state setups. Payroll is our core focus. When you need it, we also cover the full HR side: onboarding, offboarding, benefits administration, policy guidance, employee relations, and compliance audits. One team, one point of contact, everything handled under one roof. Whether you want to hand off payroll completely or add backup to your current setup, we make the switch seamless and keep it that way. Send a message and we can set up a quick call to map out exactly what you need.

  • Payroll Accounting
  • Payroll Reconciliation
  • Payment Processing
  • HR System Management
  • Taxes
Danica O.

Cainta, Philippines

$10/hr
4.2
99 jobs

Tired of chasing your accountant for reports that should already be done? I'm Danica, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with 4+ years of dedicated bookkeeping experience for service-based businesses — including cleaning companies, law firms, and professional service agencies in Australia and the United States. Service businesses have unique financial needs: fluctuating cash flow, staff payroll, client billing cycles, and compliance deadlines that can't slip. I understand that — and I build systems that keep everything running smoothly in the background so you can focus on running your business. ✅ Bookkeeping Services: Bank reconciliation, journal entries, chart of accounts setup BAS/IAS, 1099s, GST/VAT reporting Catch-up bookkeeping & cleanup jobs Financial dashboards & cash flow reporting ✅ Payroll Expertise: Xero Payroll, ADP, Gusto Timesheet tracking & payslip generation Payroll tax filing & compliance ✅ Industries I Know Well: 🧹 Cleaning & facility services companies ⚖️ Law firms & legal practices 📊 Accounting & professional service firms 🏢 Agencies & consultancies ✅ Tools I Work With: Xero, QuickBooks Online, Google Sheets, Excel Dext, Hubdoc, Gusto, KeyPay, Zapier With 55+ completed jobs, a Top Rated badge, and a 95% Job Success Score, my track record speaks for itself. I deliver accurate, timely, and confidential bookkeeping — whether you need a one-time cleanup or ongoing monthly support. 📩 Tell me your biggest bookkeeping headache — I'll reply within a few hours with a straight answer and a clear plan. No fluff, no sales pitch.

  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Balance Sheet
  • Data Entry
  • Bookkeeping
  • Zoho Books
  • Financial Management
  • Xero
  • Social Media Management
  • Shopify
  • Taxation
  • Virtual Assistance
  • Administrative Support
Travis H.

Orlando, Florida

$75/hr
5.0
42 jobs

Hello my name is Travis Hope, With over seven years of hands-on experience using Xero for comprehensive financial management and a proven ability to analyze the financial health of small to medium-sized businesses, I am confident in my ability to contribute to your success. My expertise lies in leveraging Xero to streamline and optimize accounting processes, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and actionable insights. Daily, I manage critical tasks including: - Accounts Receivable (AR) and Accounts Payable (AP) to maintain healthy cash flow. - Payroll processing, ensuring timely and accurate employee compensation. - Month-end and year-end closings, delivering precise financial statements. - Accrual journal entries to reflect accurate financial positions. - Inventory tracking to support operational efficiency. - Bank reconciliations to ensure data integrity. In addition to operational excellence, I specialize in financial analysis, providing clear, data-driven insights to guide strategic decisions. My ability to interpret financial trends, identify cost-saving opportunities, and forecast performance has consistently helped my clients strengthen their financial foundations. Having worked exclusively with small and medium sized businesses, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities they face. My proficiency with Xero’s robust tools—combined with my detail-oriented approach—enables me to deliver tailored solutions that drive growth and stability for businesses like yours. I am eager to bring my skills and contribute to your financial success. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience aligns with your needs. Thank you for your time, Travis

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Bill.com Accounts Payable
  • Xero
  • Gusto
  • Stripe
Sheilla S.

Manila, Philippines

$11/hr
5.0
4 jobs

With over 8 years of professional experience in Payroll Administration and Customer Service, I have developed a strong track record of ensuring accurate payroll processing, maintaining compliance with payroll regulations, and delivering exceptional customer support. I am highly detail-oriented, organized, and committed to providing efficient solutions while maintaining a high level of accuracy. Here are the summary keywords of my expertise: ✔ Payroll Processing & Administration ✔ Payroll Reconciliation & Salary Calculations ✔ Tax Withholding & Government Forms (W-2, 1099) ✔ Timesheet Management & Payroll Compliance ✔ ADP & QuickBooks Payroll ✔ Customer Support (Phone, Email & Live Chat) ✔ CRM Management (Zendesk & Salesforce) ✔ Issue Resolution & Client Relationship Management ✔ Microsoft Excel Reporting & Payroll Data Analysis ✔ Data Accuracy & Administrative Support ✔ Multi-tasking & Process Improvement ✔ Attention to Detail & Deadline Management Throughout my career, I have successfully processed payroll for 50+ employees with 100% compliance with payroll regulations while consistently delivering excellent customer service. I take pride in resolving customer concerns efficiently, improving client satisfaction, and supporting business operations through accurate payroll management and reliable administrative support. If you're looking for a dependable Payroll and Customer Support professional who can ensure payroll accuracy, provide exceptional client service, and help streamline business operations, I'd be happy to connect.

  • Payroll Accounting
  • Phone Support
  • Government Reporting Compliance
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Invoicing
  • Customer Satisfaction
  • Customer Service

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Resources to help you hire

Cost to hire a Payroll Specialist

Cost to hire a Payroll Specialist

Explore typical Payroll Specialist rates and what businesses pay to hire top talent.

Payroll Specialist job description template

Payroll Specialist job description template

Get tips to write a job post that attracts qualified Payroll Specialists.

Payroll Specialist interview questions

Payroll Specialist interview questions

Top interview questions to help you hire the right Payroll Specialists, faster.

What does a Payroll specialist do?

A payroll specialist calculates employee compensation by processing hours worked, applying tax withholdings, and distributing funds according to legal requirements. This role transforms raw timekeeping data into accurate paychecks while maintaining strict compliance with federal and state labor laws. The specialist acts as the bridge between human resources records and financial accounting systems to guarantee every payment reflects current rates and deductions.

  • Compute gross wages by aggregating hourly logs, salary bases, overtime premiums, and paid time off balances for each pay period. Apply statutory tax withholdings, benefit deductions, and court-ordered garnishments to determine net pay amounts before submitting the final payroll run for processing.
  • Reconcile timekeeping inputs from attendance systems against approved schedules to identify discrepancies in hours or pay rates prior to calculation. Coordinate with human resources and department managers to verify new hire data, termination details, and bonus approvals so that payroll records remain current and error-free.
  • Generate detailed payroll reports that document total labor costs, tax liabilities, and individual employee earnings for internal auditing purposes. Export wage and tax forms such as W-2s and 1099s to support annual filing requirements and provide employees with verified documentation of their income and withholdings.

How to hire a Payroll specialist on Upwork

Step 1: Post a job

Define your payroll processing needs clearly to attract qualified candidates. Use the Job Post Generator powered by Uma™, Upwork's Mindful AI to draft a precise description in seconds. Describe your requirements in a few sentences, and Uma creates a tailored post for you. You can write a new post, update a saved draft, or reuse an existing one.

  • Specify the payroll software you use, such as Gusto, ADP, or QuickBooks, so candidates confirm technical fit.
  • List required compliance tasks, including tax filings, W-2 generation, and wage reconciliation, to set clear expectations.
  • State the volume of employees and pay frequency, such as weekly or biweekly, to help freelancers estimate workload accurately.

Step 2: Evaluate candidates

Look for proof of accurate payroll execution and regulatory knowledge. Uma runs instant video interviews and builds shortlists with side-by-side comparisons to speed up your review.

  • Check for experience computing wages from time records and applying correct tax withholdings for your jurisdiction.
  • Verify familiarity with generating payroll reports and exporting data for accounting systems like Xero or FreshBooks.
  • Review past work history for error-free payroll runs and timely submission of tax forms such as 1099s.

Step 3: Interview your top choices

Discuss specific payroll workflows and compliance scenarios to test expertise. Schedule and conduct interviews within Upwork Messages, which generates an immediate transcript and summary after each session.

  • Ask how they reconcile discrepancies between timekeeping inputs and final pay outputs before processing.
  • Request examples of how they handle last-minute pay changes or garnishment updates during a live pay cycle.
  • Confirm their process for coordinating with HR or IT to sync benefits deductions and expense reimbursements.

Step 4: Agree on scope and begin work

Set clear deliverables and milestones for each pay period. Use Upwork Messages and the contract workroom for communication and project management, plus identity verification, payment protection, hourly tracking, and project funds for security.

  • Define milestones for entering earnings inputs, reviewing summaries, and submitting payroll for processing.
  • Require export of payroll reports and reconciliation of tax payments after each cycle closes.
  • Specify deadlines for issuing digital paystubs and filing necessary tax documents with relevant authorities.

Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this article. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.

The rates and information provided in this article are based on current data and industry sources available at the time of publication. Freelance rates can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, project scope, and market conditions. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research to confirm current rates and trends, as this information may change over time.

How much does hiring a Payroll specialist cost?

$500-$1,500 per project is a typical range for focused Payroll specialist work. Final pricing depends on scope, technical complexity, required integrations, source-material quality, revision needs, and the freelancer's experience level.

Payroll audit and reconciliation

$500-$1,200/project

Entry-level to mid-level
  • Identified discrepancies in wages and withholdings
  • Steps to resolve identified payroll errors
  • Verified alignment of time records and pay data

Single pay period processing

$1,200-$2,500/project

Mid-level
  • Computed wages, taxes, and deductions for one cycle
  • Generated digital paystubs for all employees
  • Verified distribution of funds to employee accounts

Tax form preparation and filing

$2,500-$4,500/project

Mid-level to senior-level
  • Compiled annual wage and tax statements for employees
  • Prepared contractor income reports for submission
  • Submitted forms to relevant tax authorities

Payroll system integration setup

$4,500-$7,000/project

Senior-level
  • Connected payroll software with accounting tools like QuickBooks
  • Verified automatic transfer of time and expense data
  • Outlined steps for ongoing data synchronization

Full-cycle payroll management

$7,000-$12,000/project

Expert-level
  • Managed multiple pay periods including taxes and benefits
  • Audited payroll practices against current labor laws
  • Exported comprehensive payroll history and tax summaries

Frequently asked questions

Is hiring a Payroll specialist worth it?

For most businesses, yes: hiring a Payroll specialist is worthwhile. This role removes the manual burden of computing wages, applying tax withholdings, and reconciling time records against pay rates. You gain accurate pay cycles and compliant tax filings without diverting internal resources from core operations.

How do I evaluate Payroll specialist candidates?

Look for candidates who demonstrate precise experience with your specific payroll software and tax compliance workflows. Ask them to describe how they reconcile flagged pay changes or handle garnishments in their previous roles. A strong candidate will cite specific examples of resolving discrepancies in hours worked or tax outputs before final submission.

What deliverables does a Payroll specialist produce?

A Payroll specialist produces processed payroll runs, digital pay stubs, and completed tax forms such as W-2s or 1099s. They also export detailed payroll reports that summarize tax payments and employee earnings history for your records.

Which tools do Payroll specialists use?

Payroll specialists operate platforms like ADP or Gusto to compute wages and manage tax filings. They often integrate these systems with accounting software such as QuickBooks or Xero to sync financial data automatically.