State your payroll scope immediately: '600 employees, bi-weekly payroll cycle, 5 states.' These three data points anchor your experience level for hiring managers. Employee headcount signals complexity; multi-state payroll signals compliance expertise; pay frequency shows the volume and tempo of your work. Without this context, your resume is ambiguous.

Payroll compliance is where mistakes cost companies money and reputation. Mention specific compliance areas: multi-state wage and hour laws, FLSA exemption classifications, garnishment administration, or benefit deduction compliance. 'Managed payroll tax filings for 8 states with zero IRS or state agency penalty assessments over 2 years' is a powerful, specific compliance credential.

Payroll system experience is a gating requirement. Name every platform you've used: ADP Workforce Now, ADP Run, Workday Payroll, Paychex Flex, UKG Pro, or Paylocity. If you've been involved in a payroll system migration — mapping data, running parallel payrolls, or training users — include it explicitly. System migration experience is rare and highly valued.