The Payroll Specialist is responsible for overseeing all aspects of payroll operations, with a particular focus on calculating commissions for sales and service teams. This position is essential for maintaining accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing for employees located in different regions within the cattle herd genetics and health sector.

An ideal candidate will have strong technical skills in payroll, meticulous attention to data accuracy, and a thorough understanding of variable compensation systems, especially those involving commission-based pay for production, services, and product sales. This person will work closely with teams in Sales, Operations, and Finance to uphold payroll integrity and transparency.

Payroll Administration

• Process full-cycle payroll for a multi-state workforce, including field technicians, sales representatives, and support staff.
• Ensure accurate calculation of wages, overtime, bonuses, and deductions in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Maintain payroll records, audit trails, and employee data within HRIS/payroll systems
• Reconcile payroll prior to transmission and validate outputs (earnings, taxes, benefits, deductions)
• Manage payroll-related inquiries and resolve discrepancies in a timely, professional manner

Commission & Variable Compensation Management

• Calculate and validate commission-based compensation for outside sales and service personnel, including:
• Product sales (e.g., genetics, animal health products, equipment)
• Service-based revenue (e.g., reproductive services, herd management support)
• Incentive programs, quarterly profitability, and performance bonuses
• Partner with Sales and Operations to interpret commission plans and ensure accurate application
• Audit sales and service data inputs (CRM, ERP, field reporting systems) used for commission calculations
• Maintain documentation of commission structures and ensure consistency in application
• Identify discrepancies, trends, or risks in commission payouts and proactively resolve issues

Data Integrity & Reporting

• Reconcile payroll and commission data with financial systems
• Generate payroll and compensation reports for Finance, HR, and leadership
• Support month-end and year-end close processes, including accruals and reporting
• Assist with preparation of year-end tax documents (W-2s) and compliance filings

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable wage and hour laws, including those impacting agricultural and field-based workers
• Maintain current knowledge of payroll regulations, tax requirements, and labor laws across multiple states
• Support internal and external audits related to payroll and compensation
• Protect confidentiality and integrity of employee compensation data

Process Improvement & Systems Optimization

• Identify and implement improvements to payroll processes, particularly around commission automation and accuracy
• Collaborate with HRIS, Finance, and IT teams to optimize system integrations (payroll, CRM, ERP)
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for payroll and commission processes
• Leverage data tools (Excel, reporting software) to increase efficiency and reduce manual errors

Qualifications

Required

• 3+ years of payroll experience, including commission or variable compensation calculations
• Strong understanding of multi-state payroll regulations and compliance requirements
• Proficiency in payroll systems (e.g., ADP, Paylocity, UKG, or similar)
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, data validation)
• High attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and professionalism

Preferred

• Experience supporting agricultural, field service, or distributed workforce environments
• Familiarity with commission structures tied to sales, production, or service outputs
• Knowledge of ERP/CRM systems (e.g., Acumatica, Salesforce, NetSuite, Ag-specific platforms)
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation

Core Competencies

• Accuracy & Accountability
• Analytical Thinking
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Process Improvement Mindset
• Communication & Service Orientation
• Adaptability in a Dynamic, Field-Driven Environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• English/Spanish bilingual ability helpful but not required

Pay: $21.00 - $28.76 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person