Overview

Description: PAYROLL SPECIALIST JOB SUMMARYThe Payroll Specialist is responsible for managing and processing accurate and timely payroll for all employees. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, maintains payroll records, resolves payroll discrepancies, and supports audits. The Payroll Specialist plays a critical role in maintaining employee trust and organizational compliance by ensuring that compensation is handled efficiently and accurately.PAYROLL SPECIALIST KEY RESPONSIBILITIESProcess payroll accurately and timely.Review payroll related paperwork including all employee timesheet and other documents.Process payroll in accordance to the company payroll policy.Run all necessary payroll reports every after payroll processing.Prepare and process garnishments, support orders and tax levies.Process final checks for terminated employeesBalances the payroll accounts by resolving payroll discrepancies.Audit payroll reports such as payroll registers, quarterly reports and W-2Provides payroll information by answering questions and requests.Ensure that payroll policies, guidelines and procedures are being met.Ensure payroll automated program is operating accurately.Complies with up-to-date federal, state, and local legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation; enforcing adherence to requirements; advising management on needed actions.Maintains employee confidence and protects payroll operations by keeping information confidential.Payroll ProcessingProcess regular, off-cycle, and special payrolls (e.g., bonuses and incentives)Accurately calculate earnings, including but not limited toRegular, overtime, and double-time payIncentive and bonus payments (aggregate and/or supplemental methods)Ensure proper classification of exempt and non-exempt employeesValidate timesheets, pay codes, and approvals prior to payroll submissionCompliance & TaxationEnsure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour lawsApply correct tax treatment for wages and supplemental earningsProcess garnishments, levies, and other involuntary deductionsSupport payroll audits and respond to compliance inquiriesPayroll Records & ReportingMaintain accurate payroll records and employee pay historiesPrepare payroll reports for HR, Finance, and managementReconcile payroll registers, tax filings, and general ledger entriesAssist with quarter-end and year-end processes (e.g., W-2s)Employee SupportRespond to employee payroll inquiries professionally and confidentiallyResearch and resolve payroll discrepancies and adjustmentsEducate employees on pay statements, withholdings, and payroll timingSystems & Process ImprovementMaintain payroll data in HRIS/payroll systemsAssist with system upgrades, implementations, or testingIdentify opportunities to improve payroll accuracy and efficiencyEnsure data integrity and confidentiality at all times Requirements: Required2-4 years of payroll processing experienceWorking knowledge of wage and hour laws (federal and state), including multi-state payroll taxesExperience processing payroll for both exempt and non-exempt employeesStrong attention to detail and accuracyProficiency with payroll systems and ExcelAbility to handle sensitive information with discretionMulti-state payroll experiencePreferredExperience with incentive and bonus payroll processingPayroll certification (CPP or FPC)HRIS/payroll system implementation or optimization experienceCalifornia payroll experience (highly preferred, if applicable)Experience in Paylocity, ADP Workforce NowCore CompetenciesPayroll compliance expertiseAnalytical and problem-solving skillsTime management and meeting strict deadlinesClear communication and customer service mindsetConfidentiality and ethical judgmentPAYROLL SPECIALIST PAY RATE: $35 - $37.50/hr (dependent on experience)BENEFITS & PERKS:100% employer-paid Medical, Dental & Vision coverage100% employer-paid Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance401(k) with employer