Sr. Payroll Specialist

Responsibilities

• Process accurate and timely bi-weekly payroll in compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations.
• Reconcile payroll prior to transmission and validate confirmed reports to ensure accuracy before disbursement.
• Review and audit employee timecards for completeness, accuracy, and policy compliance prior to each payroll cycle.
• Monitor meal period compliance, including ensuring employees take meal breaks before the 5th hour of work; identify and escalate patterns of missed, late, or inconsistent time entries.
• Audit GPS punch data to confirm clock-ins and clock-outs occur within approved work locations; investigate and resolve discrepancies and exceptions as needed.
• Partner with managers and HR to ensure timely timecard corrections and consistent enforcement of timekeeping practices across the organization.
• Administer payroll deductions including garnishments, tax levies, benefits contributions, and retirement plan contributions.
• Administer Leave of Absences.
• Partner with HR on new hires, terminations, rate changes, and benefits administration.
• Maintain accurate records of employee time off, including sick time, vacation, and leaves of absence, in coordination with Human Resources.
• Conduct regular audits of payroll processes and records to ensure ongoing accuracy and compliance.
• Analyze payroll discrepancies, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Support month-end close activities, including preparation of payroll-related journal entries.
• Generate and distribute payroll and timekeeping reports as needed.
• Provide training and guidance to managers and employees on timekeeping practices, compliance expectations, and system usage.
• Stay current on payroll regulations, California labor law developments, and industry best practices.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of experience in payroll processing and administration including supervisory or lead responsibilities.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of California wage and hour laws, including timecard, meal period, and rest break requirements.
• Experience processing payroll for 100+ hourly employees.
• Strong knowledge of payroll systems and software (e.g., ADP, Paylocity, Vensure, or similar).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
• Able to handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion.
• Experience with GPS timekeeping or field workforce time tracking a plus.
• Multi-state payroll processing experience a plus.
• Strong communication skills and ability to train and guide non-payroll staff on compliance expectations.
• Demonstrated highest level of integrity, intellectual honesty, and strong work ethic.
• Self-starter with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing deadlines with accuracy.