Payroll/HR Specialist

Robert Half Contract Finance and Accounting is looking for a Payroll/HR Specialist to support both people operations and payroll administration for a growing organization in California. This Long-term Contract position is ideal for someone who enjoys balancing employee support with accurate payroll execution in a hands-on environment. The role will contribute across the full employee lifecycle while helping maintain reliable records, timekeeping accuracy, and consistent pay practices.

Responsibilities

• Manage a blended workload across human resources and payroll functions, providing day-to-day support in both areas.
• Process biweekly payroll for the workforce, ensuring pay data is complete, accurate, and submitted on schedule.
• Audit employee time records in the timekeeping system and follow up on discrepancies before payroll is finalized.
• Coordinate onboarding and separation activities, including paperwork, system updates, and employee documentation.
• Maintain personnel files, compensation information, and benefits-related records with a high level of accuracy.
• Use Excel, Word, and related tools to track HR and payroll information, reconcile data, and prepare supporting documentation.
• Work with supervisors and project leaders to confirm approved timesheets and resolve payroll-related questions.
• Support HR administration such as orientation for new employees, employee record maintenance, and termination processing.
• Assist with payroll and HR process improvements, including contributing to the rollout of updated systems that connect with accounting platforms.

Requirements

• Experience handling both payroll processing and core HR administration in the same role.
• Proficiency with biweekly payroll, timesheet validation, and employee pay record maintenance.
• Familiarity with timekeeping platforms and the ability to review and reconcile employee hours accurately.
• Working knowledge of onboarding, offboarding, orientation for permanent employees, and personnel file management.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Excel and comfort working with manual tracking tools and documentation.
• Experience with accounting or payroll systems such as QuickBooks, Sage 100, or similar business software.
• Understanding of compensation, benefits administration, and termination-related documentation.
• Ability to manage confidential information carefully and stay organized in a fast-paced environment.