Worker's Compensation Audit Specialist (Los Angeles)

****In office position located in Woodland Hills, CA*****

The Workers’ Compensation Payroll Audit Specialist (Brokerage side) manages and executes payroll audits for clients to ensure accurate classification and reporting of payroll for workers’ compensation premium determination. This role partners with brokers, underwriters, clients, and carriers to review payroll records, identify exposure, recommend corrective actions, and support premium recovery or adjustment. The specialist provides subject-matter expertise in audit methodology, compliance, and loss-control implications to optimize client outcomes and carrier relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, schedule, and perform workers’ compensation payroll audits for brokerage clients and/or carrier partners, both on-site and remote.
• Collect, review and analyze payroll records, tax filings (e.g., 941s, W-2s, state forms), general ledgers, subcontracts, and other documentation to determine accurate payroll exposure and employee classification.
• Reconcile payroll data to policy periods; calculate audit adjustments, additional premiums or refunds; prepare detailed audit reports and workpapers.
• Identify misclassifications, overtime, leased/contract labor, subcontractors, owner/officer payroll, and other exposures affecting premium and classification codes.
• Advise brokers and clients on proper payroll reporting, classification best practices, internal controls, and documentation requirements to reduce future audit exposure.
• Communicate audit findings clearly to clients, brokers, and underwriters; answer technical questions and assist with dispute resolution/appeals.
• Collaborate with underwriting and placement teams to ensure audit findings inform renewal pricing and terms.
• Maintain accurate audit tracking, documentation, and status in internal systems (e.g., AMS, policy management, or audit platforms).
• Ensure audits comply with carrier guidelines, state regulations, and contractual obligations.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives: standardize templates, workflows, and training for brokers and audit staff.
• Meet productivity, quality, and timeliness targets for assigned audits and client service SLAs.

Qualifications:

• 3+ years experience in workers’ compensation payroll auditing, insurance brokerage, or carrier audit function preferred.
• Strong knowledge of workers’ compensation classification codes (NCCI and/or state-specific manuals), audit procedures, premium calculation, and state regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency reading and interpreting payroll tax forms (941s, W-2s, state unemployment filings), general ledgers, and accounting documents.
• Experience with audit and policy management systems (AMS360, Applied Epic, Origami Risk, or equivalent) and Microsoft Excel; familiarity with electronic payroll platforms (ADP, Paychex, QuickBooks) a plus.
• Excellent analytical skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain technical audit findings to non-technical stakeholders.
• Customer-service orientation and ability to manage multiple client relationships and priorities.
• Professionalism, integrity, and ability to handle confidential financial information.
• Relevant certification (e.g., Certified Payroll Auditor (CPA) programs, CPCU, ARM, or industry training) is a plus.

Preferred Experience:

• Brokerage-side experience working directly with brokers and client service teams.
• Exposure to multi-state audits and complex payroll arrangements (construction, subcontracting, hiring of temporary labor).
• Experience with audit negotiation, audit recovery processes, and audit appeals.