Payroll Specialist

Department: Human Resources | Location: Cameron Park, CA (in office, 5 day/week)

About the Role

We are seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized US Payroll Specialist to join our HR/Finance team. The Payroll Specialist will be responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely processing of weekly payroll for all employees in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The ideal candidate will have experience managing US payroll systems, including California, and a strong understanding of payroll taxes, deductions, and benefits. This position is based in our Cameron Park, CA office and requires on-site attendance five days per week.

As part of supporting emergency response and operational requirements, occasional extended work hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays may be required.

About Ceres Environmental Services

Ceres Environmental Services is a leader in crisis management, rapid response, and disaster recovery, committed to rebuilding stronger, safer communities. Founded in 1976, Ceres has secured more than $3.4 billion in government-funded contracts, reflecting decades of trust in bringing hope during times of need. We specialize in emergency response, environmental services, planning, and consulting, including debris removal, blue roofs, logistics, debris management, demolition, recycling, forest management, and coastal and marine restoration. As a licensed general contractor, we offer unparalleled expertise to restore stability where it’s needed most.

At Ceres, we believe you’re more than just an employee; you’re part of a team with a purpose and a meaningful mission. Whether in management, field operations, or behind the scenes, every team member plays a vital role in restoring hope, helping communities recover and rebuild. We value initiative, respect diversity, and give our people the freedom to lead.

Responsibilities

• Process weekly payroll for all employees, ensuring accurate calculation of wages, deductions, and benefits.
• Validate and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, including withholding taxes, garnishments, and other deductions.
• Review and validate employee timecards and attendance records to ensure data accuracy prior to payroll submission.
• Prepare, reconcile, and submit payroll-related reports, including quarterly and annual tax filings, W-2 processing, and year-end reporting requirements.
• Administer employee benefits (health, retirement, etc.) and ensure proper contributions are reflected in payroll.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll, benefits, and tax-related matters in a timely, professional, and customer-focused manner.
• Maintain payroll system integrity, perform system audits, support testing of updates and enhancements, and partner with HR and Finance on process improvements.
• Reconcile payroll registers, tax liabilities, benefits deductions, and general ledger interfaces; support internal and external payroll audits.
• Protect sensitive employee payroll information and uphold all data privacy and security requirements.

Requirements

• H.S. Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 4 years of payroll experience processing multi-state U.S. payroll, including extensive California payroll administration and Puerto Rico payroll requirements, within mid-to-large-sized organizations with both union and non-union employee populations.
• Strong working knowledge of California wage and hour laws, including meal and rest break requirements, overtime regulations, final pay requirements, and prevailing wage considerations.
• Proficiency using payroll software (Paycom, ADP, Vista or similar construction ERP).
• Proficient in Word and Excel (ability to create/use pivot tables preferred).
• Strong knowledge of US federal, state, and local payroll tax laws, wage and hour laws, and benefit administration.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Exceptional customer service: ability to serve employees in a professional and timely manner, under strict deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• AA or BS degree in Accounting, HR or related field.
• Experience providing payroll support across multiple business entities.
• CPP certification.
• Bilingual: English and Spanish.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Problem-solving abilities and discretion when handling sensitive information.

What to Expect

As a US Payroll Specialist, you'll own the accurate and timely processing of weekly multi-state payroll, ensuring compliance with complex federal, state, local, California, and Puerto Rico payroll regulations while supporting both union and non-union employees. You'll spend your days reviewing timecards, reconciling payroll data, managing tax and benefit deductions, responding to employee inquiries, and partnering with HR and Finance to maintain payroll system accuracy and compliance. Success in this role requires exceptional attention to detail, strong customer service skills, and the ability to work independently while meeting strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements and Environment

Ceres provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants with sincerely held religious beliefs, as required by law. If you need accommodation to perform these functions, please inform us during the application process.

Pay

Compensation Range: $30-36 hourly non-exempt (overtime eligible). Eligible for annual performance bonus.

Benefits

• Comprehensive package including medical, dental, and vision.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off.
• Travel opportunities.

Why Join Ceres?

• A collaborative, mission-driven culture.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• The chance to make a lasting difference for communities across the U.S.