Payroll Specialist

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 compensat