Payroll Consultant – California Compliance

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Payroll Consultant – California Compliance to support complex payroll operations with a strong focus on California wage and hour compliance. This contract role will play a critical part in owning semi-monthly payroll calculations, commission processing, and supplemental earnings, while operating within a largely manual environment that requires strong analytical rigor and precision.

Essential Job Duties/Responsibilities

• Own and execute California regular rate of pay calculations, including overtime, premiums, and blended rates

• Process semi-monthly payroll, including manual calculations for commissions and complex earnings

• Manage and calculate supplemental earnings, including bonuses, incentives, and gift cards

• Perform termination pay and retroactive pay calculations in compliance with California regulations

• Serve and execute off-cycle payroll runs as needed

Timekeeping & Data Integrity

• Oversee accurate timekeeping data management, including review and correction of timecard discrepancies

• Partner with operations and HR to ensure accurate tracking of hours worked, overtime, and leave

• Validate time and attendance data from systems such as UKG (or similar) prior to payroll processing

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with California wage & hour laws, including meal/rest break premiums and regular rate calculations

• Develop and implement payroll policies, procedures, and documentation to mitigate risk

• Support the build-out of SOX-compliant controls and audit-ready processes within payroll operations

• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations

Analysis & Reporting

• Conduct payroll and compensation analysis, including rate of pay validation and earnings audits

• Investigate discrepancies and resolve complex payroll issues with a root-cause approach

• Build and maintain Excel-based models and reports to support payroll accuracy and insights

• Partner with Finance on general ledger reconciliation and audit support

Cross-Functional Support

• Collaborate closely with HR, Finance, and Operations to ensure alignment across payroll inputs and outputs

• Support system optimization and process improvements across ADP and timekeeping platforms

• Serve as a subject matter expert for payroll-related inquiries and escalations

Minimum Qualifications

• 5–7+ years of payroll experience, with deep expertise in California wage & hour laws

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) required

• Proven experience managing payroll with complex commission structures

• Strong experience with manual payroll calculations and operating in non-automated environments

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, formulas, data analysis)

• Experience with ADP Workforce Now and UKG (or similar timekeeping systems)

• Strong understanding of SOX compliance and internal controls

• Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and confidentiality

• Able to navigate ambiguity and build processes in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting high-growth, multi-location organizations

• Background in audit support and payroll process design

• Experience improving or automating manual payroll workflow