How a Finance Firm Hired a Payroll Specialist for $2,000 a Month

Our client approached South looking for a skilled Payroll Specialist for their U.S.-based team. Read on to know how after a focused search, we placed Sebastián, a Colombian payroll expert who checked every box.

Table of Contents

Location: Colombia

What does the client’s business do?

Our client is a financial firm offering bookkeeping, payroll, bill payments, outsourced CFO support, and capital advisory services. Their mission is to provide businesses of all sizes with reliable financial reporting and strategic guidance to support sustainable growth.

They approached us looking for a skilled Payroll Specialist with 2–5 years of experience to manage payroll operations for their U.S.-based team.

What were the requirements?

The role required a detail-oriented professional with strong knowledge of U.S. payroll regulations and compliance. Key qualifications included:

  • Experience: 2–4 years in U.S. payroll processing, ideally within financial services.
  • Technical Skills: Hands-on experience with Gusto, Justworks, and Rippling was highly preferred. Familiarity with multi-state payroll and tax compliance was essential.
  • Soft Skills: A sharp eye for detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication. Experience in regulated industries was a plus.

After a focused search, we placed Sebastián, a highly qualified Colombian payroll professional whose skills and mindset aligned perfectly with the client’s needs.

What are the responsibilities?

Sebastián plays a key role in ensuring smooth and compliant payroll operations. His core responsibilities include:

  • Managing end-to-end U.S. payroll in full compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
  • Using platforms like Gusto, Justworks, and Rippling to run accurate payroll cycles.
  • Maintaining clean, organized records of wages, deductions, benefits, and taxes.
  • Ensuring timely tax submissions and audit readiness.
  • Addressing employee payroll inquiries with clarity and professionalism.
  • Collaborating with HR and finance teams to optimize processes and stay ahead of payroll trends.

What was the candidate's background?

Sebastián is a seasoned payroll specialist with over 5 years of experience managing U.S. payroll processes. He has led payroll operations for large teams and has a deep understanding of compliance, tax filing, and multi-state regulations.

His technical toolkit includes Gusto, Paychex, Prism HR, and Xero, and he's well-versed in audits, system implementation, and reporting. Sebastián stands out for his independence, strong attention to detail, and consistent track record of solving complex payroll issues efficiently.

With excellent communication skills and a proactive approach, he's the ideal fit to manage a critical function within a growing finance team.

How did they find this candidate?

The company used South! We help US businesses find, hire, and pay top Latin American talent.

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