Payroll Specialist

Curriculum Associates • Full-time • Hybrid in Billerica, Massachusetts, United States • $51,250 - $84,250 / year • 1h ago

Fast Facts

Curriculum Associates is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to manage payroll operations while ensuring compliance and accuracy across payroll processes. This role involves cross-functional collaboration and supports continuous improvement in payroll systems with a focus on service excellence.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include preparing and processing biweekly payroll, maintaining payroll data, addressing payroll inquiries, and assisting with audits and payroll automation initiatives.

Skills: Candidates must have advanced Excel skills, knowledge of payroll laws, strong attention to detail, and effective communication abilities.

Qualifications: Preferred qualifications include 1–3 years of payroll experience and a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related fields, with familiarity in ADP Workforce and Workday.

Location: This position is hybrid, requiring 2 days per week in the Billerica, MA office.

Compensation: $51250 - $84250 / Annually

At Curriculum Associates, we believe in the potential of every child and are changing the face of education technology with award-winning learning programs like i-Ready that serve a third of the nation’s K–8 students. For more than 50 years, our commitment to making classrooms better places, serving educators, and supporting accessible learning experiences for all students has driven the continuous improvement of our innovative programs. Our team of more than 2,500 employees is composed of lifelong learners who stand behind this mission, working tirelessly to serve the educational community with world-class programs and support every day.

Reporting to the Senior Payroll Manager, the Payroll Specialist is responsible for supporting the accurate, timely, and compliant execution of payroll operations. This role plays a key part in continuous process improvement initiatives, including payroll automation and AI-enabled enhancements, as well as support for global payroll activities.

This is a hands-on, detail-oriented position requiring strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. The Payroll Specialist partners cross-functionally and delivers exceptional customer service to employees and leaders across the organization.

This role is hybrid with 2-days per week in our Billerica, MA office.

The impact you'll have:

Prepare, review, and process biweekly U.S. payroll for exempt and non-exempt employees in compliance with company policies and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations
Process employee payroll changes, including salary adjustments, bonuses, tax updates, direct deposit changes, department allocations, benefit deductions, allowances, and garnishments
Partner closely with the Senior Payroll Manager to ensure payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls are consistently applied and maintained
Maintain accurate payroll data within the payroll system to support month-end, year-end, and statutory tax reporting requirements
Prepare and review payroll reconciliation reports and variance analysis prior to payroll submission; participate in reviews with senior management as required
Respond promptly and professionally to payroll-related inquiries from employees and management, providing clear explanations and effective issue resolution
Prepare ad hoc payroll, audit, and compliance-related reports as requested
Maintain payroll-to-general ledger interface mappings and perform payroll-to-GL reconciliations
Assist with internal and external payroll audits, including data collection, documentation, and auditor inquiries
Support payroll automation efforts, including the adoption and optimization of AI-enabled tools and system enhancements
Support global payroll activities as needed, including coordination with internal teams and external vendors to ensure compliant and timely payroll processing
Collaborate cross-functionally with HR, Finance, Accounting, and other business partners to ensure accurate payroll outcomes and continuous improvement.

What we're looking for:

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including complex formulas, data analysis, and working with large datasets
Strong working knowledge of federal and multi-state payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements
Exceptional attention to detail with a demonstrated commitment to accuracy and quality
Proven ability to handle highly confidential information with discretion and professionalism
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a customer-focused mindset and the ability to build effective relationships at all organizational levels
Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize and meet competing deadlines

Required Education and Experience:

Minimum of 1–3 years of payroll experience, preferably within a medium-sized organization
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred
Experience with ADP Workforce and Workday strongly preferred

Benefits and Pay Range:

Pay Range – This role’s range is $51,250-$84,250. The wage range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that Curriculum Associates considers in making compensation decisions based on our Compensation Philosophy. Actual base pay within that range will vary based upon several factors including, but not limited to, prior experience and relevant skill sets. At Curriculum Associates, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances for each case. This role is also eligible to participate in the company bonus plan. The Company recognizes that minimum wage varies by location and will ensure all compensation decisions comply with applicable state and local laws.

Benefits – Benefit eligible employees (and their families) are covered by medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees can enroll in our company’s 401k plan and receive an employer match. Employees have access to a flexible vacation and sick policy in addition to twelve paid holidays and a winter office closure between Christmas and New Year's, as well as a number of additional perks and benefits.

Application deadline: April 14, 2026. This is subject to close earlier if there is a high volume of applicants or a qualified hire is made.