Payroll Specialist

About the role

Ampacity is seeking a Payroll Specialist to assist with accurate, compliant payroll processing for Ampacity's growing team. Reporting to the Accounting Manager, you'll oversee weekly payroll cycles, garnishments, and serve as the primary point of contact for employee payroll questions. This partially remote role (1-2 days onsite weekly) is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who excels at managing multiple priorities, communicates effectively with field teams, and is driven by precision and meeting critical deadlines.

Schedule

Hybrid model: 1-2 days onsite per week at the Monterey Bay HQ Office.

Pay

Pay range: $28–$32 per hour.

Responsibilities

• Calculate weekly per diem, travel and mileage allowance with a strong focus on accuracy and timeliness.
• Manage weekly child support and court-ordered garnishment calculations, prepare payments, reconcile accounts monthly, and close out files upon completion.
• Process weekly vehicle allowances and employee payroll advances.
• Monitor unemployment claims for terminated employees and respond to state inquiries in a timely manner.
• Assist with prevailing wage audits and documentation.
• Investigate and respond to payroll-related tax notices and work with the payroll team to resolve them in a timely manner.
• Review quarterly tax reports and reconcile with supporting documentation.
• Assist with testing new payroll tax software as it comes online.
• Support and provide backup for other payroll team members.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with HR and Accounting to recommend payroll-related strategies and provide process improvements.
• Stay updated on changes in payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Create, update, and maintain SOPs and procedures.
• Attend departmental meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 3+ years of payroll processing experience.
• Experience with construction is a plus.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in Excel, Word, and Windows.
• NetSuite and HeavyJob (HCSS) experience is a plus.

Skills

• Strong analytical and reconciliation skills with the ability to research and resolve payroll discrepancies.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in all work.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a broad variety of people throughout the organization and to communicate clearly with a sense of teamwork.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive payroll information.
• Self‑starter who can prioritize tasks, work independently, and meet non‑negotiable deadlines.
• Willingness to work onsite 1‑2 days per week.

Benefits

• Competitive total compensation – industry‑leading salary plus 401(k) for eligible employees.
• Time off that matters – paid vacation, sick days, holidays, parental leave, and bereavement leave.
• True work‑life balance – health resources and wellness support to help you thrive inside and outside of work.
• Comprehensive health coverage – medical, dental, and vision insurance plus additional health assistance.
• Career growth opportunities – internal promotion priority with training and skills development programs.
• People‑first culture – diverse, inclusive environment where you're valued as a whole person.