Payroll Specialist

*Non-exempt Role*

PAYROLL SPECIALIST JOB SUMMARY

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for processing accurate and timely payroll for all employees in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This role ensures proper calculation of wages, incentives, taxes, and deductions; maintains payroll records; and serves as a subject-matter resource for payroll-related questions. 

PAYROLL SPECIALIST KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Process 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 employees
• Balances the payroll accounts by resolving payroll discrepancies.
• Audit payroll reports such as payroll registers, quarterly reports and W-2
• Provides 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 Processing

• Process regular, off-cycle, and special payrolls (e.g., bonuses and incentives)
• Accurately calculate earnings, including but not limited to
• Regular, overtime, and double-time pay
• Incentive and bonus payments (aggregate and/or supplemental methods)
• Ensure proper classification of exempt and non-exempt employees
• Validate timesheets, pay codes, and approvals prior to payroll submission

Compliance & Taxation

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws
• Apply correct tax treatment for wages and supplemental earnings
• Process garnishments, levies, and other involuntary deductions
• Support payroll audits and respond to compliance inquiries

Payroll Records & Reporting

• Maintain accurate payroll records and employee pay histories
• Prepare payroll reports for HR, Finance, and management
• Reconcile payroll registers, tax filings, and general ledger entries
• Assist with quarter-end and year-end processes (e.g., W-2s)

Employee Support

• Respond to employee payroll inquiries professionally and confidentially
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies and adjustments
• Educate employees on pay statements, withholdings, and payroll timing

Systems & Process Improvement

• Maintain payroll data in HRIS/payroll systems
• Assist with system upgrades, implementations, or testing
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll accuracy and efficiency
• Ensure data integrity and confidentiality at all times

Required

• 2–4 years of payroll processing experience
• Working knowledge of wage and hour laws (federal and state), including multi-state payroll taxes
• Experience processing payroll for both exempt and non-exempt employees
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Proficiency with payroll systems and Excel
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion
• Multi-state payroll experience

Preferred

• Experience with incentive and bonus payroll processing
• Payroll certification (CPP or FPC)
• HRIS/payroll system implementation or optimization experience
• California payroll experience (highly preferred, if applicable)
• Experience in Paylocity, ADP Workforce Now

Core Competencies

• Payroll compliance expertise
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Time management and meeting strict deadlines
• Clear communication and customer service mindset
• Confidentiality and ethical judgment

Payroll Specialist Pay Range: $35 - $37.50/hr

Payroll Specialist Benefits:

• Medical, Dental and Vision – 100% paid by Employer
• Life Insurance and Accidental Dismemberment – 100% paid by Employer
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Wellness Day Off
• 401(k) and 401(k) matching
• Flexible Spending Account
• Fringe
• Supplemental Insurance

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants, including those with arrest or conviction records. In accordance with the ULAC Fair Chance Ordinance, we will not inquire about or consider criminal history until after a candidate has received a copy of their background check report. All applicants will be evaluated based on their qualifications and ability to perform the essential functions of the job. For more information, please refer to LA County Fair Chance Hiring.