Payroll Specialist

Position Summary

Norton Packaging is a multi-site rigid plastic injection molding manufacturer with operations in Signal Hill and Vernon, CA, Hamlet, IN, and Monticello, GA. The Payroll Specialist is responsible for accurately processing multi-state payroll across all plant locations, ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local wage and hour laws. This role is a key resource for employees and managers across the organization and reports directly to the Director of Human Resources.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Payroll Processing & Compliance

• Process weekly payroll for hourly and salaried employees across all Norton Packaging locations in California, Indiana, and Georgia

• Maintain accurate employee payroll records including new hires, terminations, pay rate changes, direct deposit, tax withholding elections, EDD Labor, ACA reporting, and temp and full-time headcount and weekly pay data reporting

• Ensure compliance with multi-state wage and hour laws, including California overtime, meal and rest period premiums, and final pay requirements

• Administer garnishments, child support orders, tax levies, and other mandatory deductions in accordance with applicable law and court orders

• Reconcile payroll registers and resolve discrepancies prior to each payroll run

• Process off-cycle and manual checks as needed, including final paychecks per state-specific requirements

• Coordinate with plant managers and supervisors to collect and validate timekeeping data, including shift differentials, overtime, and missed punches

• Prepare and submit payroll tax filings (federal, state, and local) and ensure timely payment of payroll taxes across all jurisdictions

• Support year-end processes including W-2 preparation, ACA reporting, and payroll system reconciliation

• Respond to employee payroll inquiries in a timely and professional manner

• Coordinate leave of absence administration including tracking benefit premium payments from employees on leave and processing payment collections

• Administer 401(k) loan repayments and coordinate with the plan administrator to ensure accurate deductions and recordkeeping

• Manage incoming mail correspondence related to EDD, unemployment claims, benefits audits, and garnishment notices; respond or route accordingly

• Maintain payroll-related documentation in compliance with record retention requirements

• Support HR with special projects, audits, and due diligence activities as needed

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered

• Minimum 3–5 years of payroll processing experience, preferably in a manufacturing or multi-site environment

• Experience with multi-state payroll, including California, strongly preferred

• Familiarity with payroll/HRIS systems (e.g., ADP, Paylocity, Paycom, UKG) required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong working knowledge of federal and multi-state payroll tax regulations and wage and hour law

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and HRIS/payroll platforms

• High degree of accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to meet strict deadlines

• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities across multiple plant locations

• Effective written and verbal communication skills; ability to interact professionally with employees at all levels

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus given workforce demographics

Working Conditions

• Office environment at the Hayward, CA (Corporate Office)

• Subject to regular deadlines associated with payroll cycles

• Sitting for extended periods; regular use of computer and phone

Compensation

The pay range for this position is $32.00 – $38.00 per hour, commensurate with experience. Norton Packaging also offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off.

Norton Packaging is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.