Senior Payroll Specialist

Position Summary

The Payroll Specialist is a mid-level role responsible for the accurate and compliant processing of payroll while supporting a broad range of human resources reporting. This position serves as a key resource for payroll administration, leave of absence management, benefits coordination, and HR reporting.

This role requires strong knowledge of California wage and hour laws, high attention to detail, and proficiency in ADP Workforce Now to ensure compliance, data integrity, and operational excellence.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

Payroll Administration (Primary Focus)

• Process biweekly payroll accurately and timely using ADP Workforce Now
• Ensure compliance with California wage and hour laws, including:
  • Overtime, meal/rest period premiums, final pay requirements
• Audit payroll data including earnings, deductions, tax withholdings, and accruals
• Administer garnishments, levies, and wage attachments
• Process off-cycle payrolls, bonuses, and final checks
• Maintain payroll records in accordance with federal and California retention requirements

Leave of Absence & Compliance

• Administer employee leaves including FMLA, CFRA, PDL, ADA accommodations, and personal leaves
• Track and maintain compliance with federal and California regulations
• Coordinate benefits continuation (COBRA, premiums) during leave periods
• Communicate leave rights, responsibilities, and documentation requirements to employees and managers

Benefits Administration

• Administer health and welfare benefits, 401(k), and voluntary programs
• Support open enrollment processes and employee education
• Reconcile benefit invoices and ensure accurate payroll deductions

Reporting & Analytics

• Generate and analyze reports using ADP Workforce Now
• Support internal and external reporting requirements:
  • State and federal filings (e.g., EEO-1, ACA reporting, payroll tax reporting
• Identify trends and recommend process improvements

Compliance & Process Improvement

• Ensure adherence to company policies and employment laws
• Participate in HR audits (internal/external)
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll and HR processes, documentation, and controls

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong working knowledge of California employment law, especially wage and hour and leave laws
• Advanced proficiency in ADP Workforce Now (payroll and reporting modules)
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and data integrity
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Teams)

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field
• Minimum 5 years of payroll experience in California
• Demonstrated experience in Payroll, Benefits and Reporting functions
• PHR, SHRM-CP and/or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or ADP Payroll certification preferred

Compensation: $39-45/hr DOE