u/Ok-Cucumber-5041

I just got my post-completion OPT EAD in hand and have found a job related to my degree. My employer is willing to have me start working, but HR says they cannot add me to their payroll system until I have an SSN. I’m applying for one now.
Has anyone actually started working on OPT before receiving their SSN? Like how they persuaded them or is it even possible? Did you report your actual first day of work in the SEVP Portal, and were those days treated as employment rather than OPT unemployment?
I’m especially interested in firsthand experiences with an employer who could not initially enter the employee into payroll.

I appreciate your help from now on.