Payroll Analyst

We are Hiring!

Location: La Jolla, CA

The Details:

The Payroll Analyst is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of multi-state and multi-entity payroll while supporting the administration of employee equity programs. The Payroll Analyst reports into the Sr. Manager, People & Talent. This role ensures compliance with payroll tax regulations, oversees payroll-related benefits processing (including 401(k)), and supports financial reporting through reconciliations and journal entries.

What will you do:

Payroll, Tax & Financial Administration

• Process bi-weekly payroll for all employees (multi-entity and multi-state), ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Process and validate equity-related payroll transactions (e.g., vesting events, exercises)
• Validate payroll inputs including new hires, terminations, compensation changes, bonuses, and deductions
• Ensure accurate calculation, withholding, and remittance of federal, state, and local payroll taxes
• Maintain compliance with multi-state payroll tax regulations and wage and hour laws
• Process garnishments, tax levies, and required deductions in compliance with applicable regulations
• Manage tax setup and maintenance in payroll systems, including jurisdiction codes and employee profiles
• Serve as the primary contact for payroll questions, tax notices, inquiries, and audits

Journal Entries & Financial Reporting

• Prepare and post payroll-related journal entries, including wages, taxes, benefits, and equity transactions
• Reconcile payroll registers to general ledger accounts on a regular basis (e.g., wages, tax liabilities, benefit deductions)
• Support audits by providing payroll reconciliations, journal entry support, and documentation

401(k) Administration

• Process and validate employee 401(k) contributions (pre-tax, Roth, catch-up) through payroll
• Reconcile payroll deductions to vendor reports and general ledger accounts
• Administer 401(k) loan repayments through payroll, including setup, adjustments, and tracking
• Monitor IRS contribution limits and ensure compliance within payroll
• Support 401(k) audits and Form 5500 processes by providing payroll data and reports
• Partner with benefits and vendors to resolve discrepancies and participant issues

What we are looking for:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 3–5+ years of payroll experience, including multi-state payroll processing
• Experience with payroll accounting, equity compensation, and 401(k) administration preferred

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in payroll systems, preferably Rippling
• Strong Excel skills (reconciliations, data validation, reporting)
• Familiarity with equity platforms and 401(k) systems (e.g., Ascensus) preferred

Core Competencies

• High attention to detail and data accuracy
• Strong analytical and reconciliation skills
• Knowledge of payroll tax, accounting, equity taxation, and retirement plan fundamentals
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information
• Strong cross-functional communication skills

We love people who want to: 

• Build strong relationships through transparency, trust, and respect for each other.
• Work in an agile environment, with a resilient mindset to find creative solutions to challenges.
• Collaborate and celebrate diverse perspectives, promoting inclusivity and equality.
• Do the right thing with strong conviction and integrity.
• Be bold and innovative to help make an impact.
• Demonstrable track record of working autonomously and driving progress
• Be intellectually curious, think creatively, and pragmatic

If you thrive in a dynamic environment, and like working with happy, authentic, talented people, you'll enjoy a career with Palomar!

What will you get in return?

• Full Suite of Medical Benefits 
• Long Term Financial Incentives – STOCK! 
• 401k with 3.5% Automatic Fully Vested Employer Contributions 
• Competitive PTO + Holiday Program
• Lifestyle Spending Allowance
• Professional Development Assistance  
• Career Exploration Opportunities
• Regular company-wide social events (even virtually!)
• To learn more visit us at www.plmr.com

Diversity at Palomar

At Palomar, we are committed to diversity, equality and inclusion in all facets of the organization. We have built an open culture that celebrates the diversity of our workforce, while actively championing equality and inclusion practices that make us a company people want to work with and work for.

We believe that diversity, equality and inclusion yields greater organizational creativity and productivity, which helps us serve our customers and partners more effectively.  Delivering on our diversity commitment returns greater value to our shareholders and ultimately makes a positive impact to the communities in which we do business and to the people who live in them

#PalomarPride #Insurancejobs #hiring

Accommodations:

Palomar will consider reasonable accommodations to ensure a qualified applicant with a disability can be considered for the position. Palomar will also consider necessary modifications to the physical work environment, or to the way a job is usually performed, so an individual with a disability can perform the essential functions of the position. Additional accommodations will be considered that enable an employee with a disability to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment like those that are enjoyed by other employees without disabilities.

For more information about our company, visit us at www.plmr.com. Palomar is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

No phone calls or agency solicitation please

CCPA Job Applicant:

Pay Range: $70,000-$100,000 + Bonus Potential & Participation in our Competitive Long-Term Incentive (LTI) Program.

The above pay range is for all US-based roles based on function and level, benchmarked against companies of similar size and scope. To be compliant with local legislation as well as provide greater transparency to candidates, we disclose salary ranges on all job postings regardless of the desired job location. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and the opportunity for annual long-term incentive stock grants. In addition, we offer a highly competitive benefits package. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors, including candidate experience and qualifications, and may vary from the amounts listed above