Payroll and Benefits Specialist

About the company Join a team with a unique employee culture that doesn't just talk about core values, but exemplifies them in everything we do. They are: do the right thing, quality matters, question everything, and growth through care. We believe in investing in our people to play to their strengths and have the right people in the right seats. All employees have bi-yearly performance reviews to ensure clarity of job expectations. To learn more about our culture, please visit our careers page on our website. About the role We are seeking a detail-oriented Payroll & HR Compliance Specialist for a 6 month on-site contract in Berkeley, CA. This role will manage end-to-end bi-weekly payroll processing, ensure compliance with federal, state (California), and local employment laws — including FMLA, CFRA, and wage & hour regulations — and administer employee benefits including 401(k) retirement plans. This is a contractual role ideal for a professional with strong payroll systems experience and a solid understanding of HR compliance and benefits administration. What you'll do Payroll Administration Process bi-weekly payroll accurately and on time for all employees and contractors Review and verify timesheets, overtime, bonuses, commissions, and deductions Manage payroll adjustments, corrections, and off-cycle payments Reconcile payroll reports and resolve discrepancies Maintain payroll records in compliance with recordkeeping requirements 401(k) & Benefits Administration Administer employee 401(k) enrollment, contributions, and changes Ensure accurate and timely submission of employee/employer 401(k) contributions to the plan provider Coordinate with third-party administrators (TPAs) and recordkeepers for plan compliance Support annual 401(k) non-discrimination testing and Form 5500 filing preparation Reconcile 401(k) contribution reports against payroll data Respond to employee inquiries regarding 401(k) eligibility, vesting, and loans/withdrawals Assist with open enrollment for retirement and other benefit programs HR Compliance Ensure payroll and HR practices comply with FLSA, FMLA, CFRA, ERISA, IRS regulations, and California state wage and hour laws (including meal/rest break, overtime, and final pay rules) Track and administer employee leave requests under FMLA/CFRA, coordinating eligibility determinations, documentation, and return-to-work processes Ensure compliance with California-specific leave laws (e.g., Paid Sick Leave, Pregnancy Disability Leave) alongside federal FMLA requirements Stay current on changes in payroll tax law, labor law, leave law, and benefits regulations Prepare and file required payroll tax reports (federal, state, local) Support internal and external audits related to payroll, benefits, leave administration, and compliance Maintain and update employee records in the HRIS/payroll system, including leave and accommodation documentation Assist in the development and enforcement of HR policies and procedures Ensure proper classification of employees vs. independent contractors (exempt/non-exempt under FLSA and CA law) Reporting & Documentation Generate payroll, tax, and benefits reports for management and finance teams Maintain compliance documentation, audit trails, and required labor law postings Prepare year-end documents (W-2s, 1099s, ACA forms, etc.) Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience) 3+ years of experience in payroll processing and HR compliance Hands-on experience administering 401(k) plans and working with retirement plan providers/TPAs Strong knowledge of payroll tax regulations, FLSA, FMLA/CFRA, ERISA, and California wage & hour laws Proficiency with payroll/HRIS systems (e.g., ADP, Paychex, Gusto, Workday, UKG, or similar). Rippling is preferred. Advanced Excel skills; comfort working with large data sets High level of accuracy, confidentiality, and attention to detail Strong organizational and time-management skills to meet strict payroll deadlines Why work at Valor You want a career in pharmacy or compounding You are looking for opportunities for growth and promotions You love learning new skills and are open to feedback to improve your work product You believe in and can demonstrate our core values You value having 360-performance reviews twice a year to ensure clarity of job expectations and growth You are comfortable with fast-paced, dynamic, and growing pharmacy business in the heart of Berkeley, CA Full-time employees are eligible for company benefits including medical, dental, vision, wellness benefits and much more. 401k retirement plan plus company safe harbor match program Valor’s pay band range for this position is $40 to $45 per hour. This salary range may include multiple levels. Your level is based on our assessment of your interview performance and experience, which you can always ask the hiring manager about to understand in more detail. Salary is just one component of Valor’s total compensation package for employees. Your total rewards package at Valor will include employer contributions for employee premiums of medical, dental, and vision coverage, long-term disability, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with safe harbor match and profit sharing plan, monthly catered employee celebrations lunch, PTO and Holiday pay policy, and other benefits. The purpose of this document is to provide a general summary of essential responsibilities for the position and is not meant as an exhaustive list. This document does not reflect all job duties or requirements for every position. Requirements build as one progresses through the job levels, so any job duties required at a lower level may be required at the higher level in addition to the duties listed for that higher level. Duties, assignments, and other responsibilities may differ for similar positions based on business conditions, departmental or geographic location, and/or needs for the particular position. An individual must demonstrate successful performance in their current position before being considered for promotion. In addition, in order to promote into a higher-level position, a business need for the promotion must exist and the candidate must be considered the most qualified person for the new position. Completion of certain milestones such as obtaining an advanced degree or certification, time in current position, or developing skills to perform at the higher-level role do not guarantee a promotion. Valor Compounding Pharmacy, Inc. is an At-Will and EEO employer. We have a diverse group of hardworking people who thrive in dynamic environments. In 2020, Valor was ranked in Inc. 5000's Fastest Growing Private Companies, awarded by the San Francisco Business Times Leadership Trust, and accredited by the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (PCAB). We are a multi-state licensed 503A sterile and non-sterile compounding pharmacy. We pride ourselves on our innovation, data driven decision making, and quality in patient care, medications, and experience. We adhere to the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). For information about our privacy policy, please visit our Privacy Notice. #J-18808-Ljbffr