Payroll Specialist

A.O. Reed • San Diego, California • Full Time

Posted on Fri, Jun 5, 2026

A.O. Reed is seeking a full-time Payroll Specialist; this is an in-person position located in our San Diego, CA Office. The Payroll Specialist provides a wide variety of payroll-related activities. This position requires working knowledge of payroll processing, including state and local taxes. The individual filling this position must have excellent attention to detail, solid communication, customer service, and organizational skills. The applicant must have the proven ability to always deal with confidential information with the highest level of integrity. This individual will help develop and drive consistency across the organization

Essential Functions

These essential functions are primary job duties that incumbents must be able to perform unassisted or with some reasonable accommodation.

Accurately tracks, calculates, and submits all monthly union reports, rosters, and benefit contributions to ensure full compliance with active labor agreements. Review and audit new hire and departure notifications from Spectrum to ensure the 100% accuracy of data entered in the payroll system. Any data correction required after the completion of the audit is communicated to Human Resources immediately. Update employee payroll records by entering changes to tax status and employee direct deposit information. Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll. Calculate pay for contract personnel and process off-cycle checks, including retroactive pay increases, final paychecks, and corrections. Process involuntary deductions such as wage levies or garnishments. Calculate and deduct from employees’ wages in accordance with the order. Respond to requests for verification of employment. Coordinate paid and unpaid leave with Benefits. Recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency. Support the implementation of payroll-related initiatives and projects. Perform other duties, as assigned. Be aware of, comply with, and enforce all Company policies.

Specific Skills Required

Experience working with payroll applications; Spectrum/DayForce payroll is preferred or experience with other cloud-based payroll systems (UKG, ADP, Workday). Experience working within Union environments is strongly preferred. Knowledge of applicable federal and state(s) wage and tax laws, and compliance regulations surrounding payroll. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail. Ability to function and consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Ability to prioritize and solve problems. Information must be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Ability to provide a high level of customer service in a professional and tactful manner. Proficiency with Microsoft Office. Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Specific Skills Preferred

Organized: Sense of urgency with the ability to set priorities and build action plans to drive timely execution. Thorough, methodical and result-oriented with great attention to detail. Problem-solving: Able to identify patterns beyond noise or incomplete information by demonstrating a willingness to engage by asking questions and articulating relevant problem statements and drive toward logical conclusions and decision points. Attention to detail, able to segregate beliefs and assumptions from facts. Demonstrate strong judgment to turn information into insights, practical solutions and decision-ready recommendations. Mathematical skills. Good judgment and decision-making skills. Comfortable working cross-functionally within the department. Able to effectively function both independently and as a member of a team. Strong analytical ability. Knowledge of union payroll and reporting

Education And Experience Required:

High school diploma (or equivalent) 4 - 6 years of payroll experience.

Compensation

Hourly: $25 - $30 (depending on experience).

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