Payroll Specialist

At Verde, we believe clean and healthy spaces create better places to work, learn, and play. Every day, our teams help customers create environments where people can thrive-and we know that starts by taking care of our own people.

As a Hispanic-owned company, we're proud to be driven by our Core Values of Safety, Sustainability, Social Impact, and Awesomeness. These values come to life through the Verde Vibes-our culture of teamwork, ownership, accountability, and service.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Payroll Specialist to join our team in Phoenix, AZ. This is a fully onsite role responsible for processing payroll for approximately 450 employees across multiple states, with a strong emphasis on California payroll compliance. The ideal candidate is highly organized, deadline-driven, and well-versed in complex multi-state payroll regulations, particularly California wage and hour laws.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Processing

Process accurate and timely bi-weekly payroll for approximately 450 employees across multiple states (exempt and non-exempt)

Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, with particular expertise in California wage and hour laws (overtime, meal & rest premiums, split shift pay, reporting time pay, final pay requirements, etc.)

Review and reconcile timekeeping data, ensuring accuracy before each payroll run

Process off-cycle payroll runs, manual checks, and termination pay in accordance with applicable state deadlines

Administer garnishments, levies, child support orders, and other payroll deductions accurately and on time

California & Multi-State Compliance

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of California Labor Code requirements including PAGA exposure, itemized wage statement requirements (CA Labor Code 226), and pay stub accuracy

Manage payroll tax filings and registrations across multiple states

Ensure compliance with CA pay frequency rules, final pay laws, PTO payout requirements, and sick leave accruals

Support multi-state new hire reporting and unemployment insurance filings

Payroll Administration & Recordkeeping

Maintain accurate payroll records, employee pay data, and payroll history in HRIS/payroll system

Respond to employee payroll inquiries in a timely and professional manner

Coordinate year-end payroll processes including W-2 preparation and distribution

Support internal and external payroll audits, General Liability Insurance audits, and Workers Compensation Insurance audits

Systems & Process Improvement

Maintain and optimize payroll system configurations to align with company policies and compliance requirements

Identify and recommend improvements to payroll processes and internal controls

Collaborate with HR, Finance, and Operations to ensure accurate employee data and seamless payroll processing

Qualifications

2–5 years of payroll processing experience, including multi-state payroll

Strong, working knowledge of California payroll laws and regulations (overtime rules, final pay, wage statements, meal/rest premiums, etc.)

Experience processing payroll for 300+ employees

Proficiency with a ADP-Workforce Now

Strong Excel skills including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and data reconciliation

High degree of accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to meet strict payroll deadlines

Ability to handle sensitive and confidential employee information with discretion

Preferred

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, or related field

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)

Experience in industries with hourly/non-exempt workforces (facilities services, janitorial, construction, hospitality, or similar)

Core Competencies

Highly organized with strong time management skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously

Analytical mindset with a sharp eye for discrepancies and data accuracy

Self-starter who takes ownership of the payroll function with minimal supervision

Strong communicator - able to explain payroll concepts clearly to employees and cross-functional partners

Collaborative team player with a service-oriented approach

Integrity and professionalism in handling sensitive compensation data

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.