Payroll Specialist

Overview

This role involves managing various payroll processes, including assisting with inquiries, policies, and calculations, and serving as an escalation resource for payroll processing. The Payroll Specialist ensures payroll accuracy through detailed review, reconciliation, and validation of payroll data before and after processing. The position collaborates with HR, managers, and employees to resolve payroll issues and maintains payroll data integrity within payroll and timekeeping systems.

Responsibilities

• Complete biweekly payroll processing by managing workflow to ensure timely and accurate payroll transactions.
• Perform routine payroll audits to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Review timecards for completeness and accuracy prior to payroll processing.
• Validate overtime, premium pay, shift differentials, and on-call pay.
• Respond to payroll inquiries related to pay discrepancies, taxes, and deductions.
• Audit off-cycle checks before processing.
• Process special adjustments and corrections.
• Create reports as requested by managers or business partners to support audits.
• Respond to internal and external audit requests.
• Investigate outstanding unclaimed property and payroll checks.
• Process accurate and timely year-end reporting when necessary (e.g., W-2, W-2c).
• Document and update payroll procedures and processing checklists.
• Interpret wage garnishments and calculate appropriate deductions.
• Prepare W-2Cs for employees.
• Post processing report downloads and distribute to various partners.
• Conduct audits before and after payroll processing.
• Educate employees and managers on payroll processes and deadlines.

Requirements

Education

• Associate's degree in accounting or business administration with a focus in accounting.

Experience

• Three (3) years of payroll experience with audit or validation responsibilities.
• Experience with California payroll practices, preferably in healthcare, union, or high-volume payroll environments.

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to maintain confidentiality with sensitive information.
• Strong planning, organization, prioritization, multitasking, and deadline management skills.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals at all organizational levels.
• Knowledge of intermediate mathematics.
• Proficiency with computer applications related to payroll processing.
• Understanding of federal and state tax withholding rules and procedures.
• Familiarity with payroll terminology and methods.
• Experience with payroll systems and strong Excel skills.

Licenses/Certifications

• None required.

Physical Requirements

Physical requirements and working conditions are available from the Occupational Health Department. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly pay range: $39.43 to $49.29, based on education, experience, knowledge, skills, location, and internal equity.
• New hires typically start at the minimum to midpoint of the salary range.

Location

• Position is based in California, with experience in California payroll practices preferred.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The organization values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in all policies and practices, including employment. It does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or perception of any of these. People of all genders, racial and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants with criminal convictions will be considered after individualized assessment in compliance with applicable laws.