Payroll Specialist

About Acrisure

A global Fintech leader, Acrisure empowers millions of ambitious businesses and individuals with the right solutions to grow boldly forward. Bringing cutting-edge technology and top-tier human support together, we connect clients with customized solutions across a range of insurance, reinsurance, payroll, benefits, cybersecurity, mortgage services – and more. 

In the last twelve years, Acrisure has grown in revenue from $38 million to almost $5 billion and employs over 19,000 colleagues in more than 20 countries. Acrisure was built on entrepreneurial spirit. Prioritizing leadership, accountability, and collaboration, we equip our teams to work at the highest levels possible.

Job Summary:

Acrisure is seeking a Payroll Specialist in Grand Rapids, MI or Naperville, IL to support the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of payroll across a defined employee population and set of business units. This role operates with responsibility for assigned payrolls, ensuring precision, compliance, and high-quality employee experience. The Payroll Specialist performs full-cycle payroll processing activities within established guidelines, manages payroll data integrity, and serves as a key point of contact for payroll inquiries within their assigned scope. The role requires strong ownership, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume multi-entity environment.

Responsibilities:

Payroll Administration & Processing:

• Independently process assigned payrolls across multiple frequencies and entities for a designated employee population
• Serve as the primary payroll contact for assigned business units, divisions, and/or agency partners, ensuring timely resolution of payroll-related needs
• Compile, review, and validate payroll inputs including hours, earnings, deductions, tax elections, and adjustments for accuracy and compliance
• Perform full-cycle payroll activities including regular payroll runs, off-cycle payments, and corrections within defined thresholds
• Research and resolve routine-to-moderately complex payroll discrepancies and issues, escalating when outside of established parameters
• Maintain accurate payroll records and system data ensuring data integrity across the HRIS/Payroll platforms
• Process recurring commission payments in accordance with established plans and payroll schedules.
• Validate commission data and partner with Finance and business leaders to resolve discrepancies prior to payroll processing.

Payroll Data Management & Compliance

• Ensure payroll transactions comply with federal, state, and local regulations as well as internal policies and controls
• Execute payroll audits and reconciliations for assigned payrolls, identifying and resolve payroll variances within established parameters
• Support year-end activities including W-2 validation, reporting, and audit preparation for assigned scope
• Maintain documentation and payroll records in accordance with retention requirements and audit standards

Reporting/Timekeeping

• Preparation and distribution of standard payroll reports
• Maintenance/validation of employee time records or timekeeping data
• Support for timekeeping corrections prior to payroll processing

Employee & Stakeholder Support

• Respond to payroll inquiries via ServiceNow and other channels for assigned employee groups, providing accurate and timely resolution
• Deliver a high level of customer service while interpreting and explaining payroll policies, procedures, and pay outcomes
• Escalate complex, high-risk, or policy-sensitive issues as appropriate
• Maintain clear and complete documentation of all inquiries, actions taken, and resolutions

Operational Execution

• Follow established payroll procedures and internal controls with a strong adherence to accuracy and deadlines
• Monitor payroll cycles for assigned populations to ensure timely execution and minimal errors
• Identify recurring issues or inefficiencies and communicate observations to Payroll leadership
• Participate in training and cross-function learning to reinforce payroll expertise and system proficiency

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with multi-state payroll processing or high-volume payroll environments
• Strong customer service and stakeholder management skills
• Proven attention to detail and accuracy in transactional work
• Ability to manage multiple payroll cycle and deadline simultaneously
• Experience working with confidential and sensitive information
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel (data validation, formulas, and reconciliation support)

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with payroll system (Workday, ADP, UKG, or similar)
• Experience supporting multi-entity payroll structures or complex payroll inputs
• Experience with full cycle and high-volume payroll processing (~3,000 employees)
• Exposure to payroll compliance, audits, and reporting activities
• Experience in centralized payroll function supporting distributed business units

Education and Experience:

Required Qualifications

• 3 – 5 years of payroll, HR, accounting, finance, or related operational experience
• High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field