Senior Payroll Specialist (Temp to Hire)

Crusoe's mission is to accelerate the abundance of energy and intelligence. We’re crafting the engine that powers a world where people can create ambitiously with AI — without sacrificing scale, speed, or sustainability.

Be a part of the AI revolution with sustainable technology at Crusoe. Here, you'll drive meaningful innovation, make a tangible impact, and join a team that’s setting the pace for responsible, transformative cloud infrastructure.

About This Role: We aim to align the long-term interests of the climate with the future of global computing infrastructure. As data centers consume an exponentially growing power footprint to deliver technology to all connected devices, we are inspired by making sure that the energy meeting that demand is sourced in an environmentally responsible fashion. Crusoe co-locates mobile data centers with stranded energy resources, like flare gas and underloaded renewables, to deliver low-cost, carbon-negative distributed computing solutions. Crusoe Cloud is a managed cloud services platform powered by stranded energy that enables climate-friendly innovation in computationally intensive fields including artificial intelligence, graphics rendering and computational biology.

We are looking for a detail-oriented Senior Payroll Specialist to own the payroll cycle for all employees. This role acts as a strategic guide for the organization’s payroll matters, providing analytics to other departments while ensuring meticulous compliance with state and federal regulations. This is a high-impact position requiring significant expertise in multi-state payroll administration and the ability to handle complex manufacturing schedules within a high-growth environment.

This role is 100% onsite at our San Francisco Office.

What You’ll Be Working On:

• Multi-State Payroll Processing: Ensure accurate, timely processing and review of multi-state, bi-weekly payroll for 2 Entities with over 2000 salaried and hourly employees using ADP Workforce Now.

• Complex Timecard Management: Manage complex time and attendance processes, including manufacturing schedules and shift differentials; review timecards to ensure no missed punches or corrections are needed.

• Compliance & Record Keeping: Maintain payroll records and documentation to ensure compliance with company policies, federal, state, and local regulations, and internal controls protocols.

• Tax & Deductions Administration: Administer payroll tax filings, wage garnishments, support orders, levies, and benefit deductions. Assist in setup, maintenance, monitoring, and auditing state tax accounts to ensure accurate filings by providers.

• Financial Reconciliation: Reconcile payroll reports, general ledger postings, and benefit deductions; partner with Finance and HR to ensure accurate employee data and reporting.

• Off-Cycle & Year-End Support: Process miscellaneous off-cycle payments (final paychecks, adjustments, bonuses) and support year-end processing, including W-2s and related audits.

• Reporting & Analytics: Perform ad hoc reporting and use independent judgment to provide analytics to other departments. Help prepare monthly payroll forecasts by collaborating with HR and recruiters on hire/term timing.

• Customer Service: Provide the highest level of customer service to Crusoe by answering employee inquiries and resolving payroll-related issues in a professional and timely manner.

• Process Improvement: Identify process improvements, support system enhancements, and support potential M&A or scaling initiatives as the company grows.

• Special Projects: Assist with payroll audits, compliance reviews, and participate in business travel as required.

• Confidentiality: Protect payroll operations and ensure employee confidentiality by using a great deal of discretion and independent judgment.

What You’ll Bring to the Team:

• Professional Experience: 6-7 years of full-cycle multi-state payroll experience, preferably within a fast-paced startup or high-growth environment.

• Systems Expertise: Extensive, required experience with ADP Workforce Now. Proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, lookups, reconciliations) and Google Sheets.

• Technical Knowledge: Strong knowledge of multi-state payroll compliance, FLSA, legislation, and best practices for competitive pay. Proven experience managing complex time/attendance in manufacturing environments.

• Operational Skills: Meticulous attention to detail, high level of accuracy, and strong organizational and time-management skills. Ability to multi-task and prioritize effectively in a dynamic environment.

• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent communication and collaboration skills to interface with HR, Finance, and employees at all levels.

• Company Values: Embody the Company values.

Bonus Points:

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred (or PCP equivalent).

• Experience with Workday HRIS.

• Experience with APS payroll.

• Experience in Accounting and Finance duties.

• Experience working in an early-stage company.

Compensation: Compensation will be paid in the range of $128,000 - $156,000. Compensation to be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Crusoe is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, citizenship, marital status, sex/gender, sexual preference/ orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, national origin, or any other status protected by law or regulation.