HR - Analyst - Payroll (Senior Level)

4-month contract with a multinational science and technology company in Brea, CA. Potential for extension. W2 contract; no PTO or benefits. ACA-compliant supplemental package available for enrollment. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must be able to sit on Primary Talent Partners W2 without sponsorship.

About the role

The Senior Payroll Specialist serves as a key point of contact for employee inquiries and issue resolution. This position reports to the Payroll Manager–Americas and is part of the Corporate organization, supporting the #PayrollTransformation initiative.

Responsibilities

• Process complex multi-country payrolls with precision and timeliness.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state/provincial, and local payroll regulations.
• Manage off-cycle payments, adjustments, and final pay calculations.
• Prepare and submit required filings and reports (e.g., W-2, T4).
• Validate and correct payroll data prior to processing.
• Escalate and resolve payroll discrepancies.
• Recommend process improvements and automation opportunities.
• Interpret payroll policies across jurisdictions.
• Maintain and audit employee payroll records, including tax withholdings, benefits, and direct deposits.
• Conduct regular audits to ensure data accuracy and resolve discrepancies.
• Collaborate on payroll system upgrades, integrations, and configuration to ensure regional consistency.
• Support the rollout of standardized payroll workflows across the Americas.
• Support documentation and implementation of standardized payroll procedures.
• Provide input on harmonization milestones and system enhancements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business, or minimum 7 years of related payroll experience.
• Strong knowledge of payroll regulations across the U.S., Canada, and LATAM.
• 5+ years of experience processing complex payroll in a multi-state environment.

Skills

• Proficiency in payroll systems such as ADP, Workday, SAP, or Dayforce.
• Spanish and/or Portuguese language skills preferred for LATAM support.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and reconciliation.
• Effective communication skills for engaging with employees and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multi-country operational environment.
• Proven problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot payroll issues and implement solutions.

Pay

$33.00 - $38.00/hr

Schedule

4-month contract