Payroll Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for a Payroll Specialist to support payroll operations and selected HR activities for a long-term contract assignment based in San Diego, California. This role is ideal for someone who can work independently, manage complex multi-state payroll with a strong California focus, and partner closely with finance and HR teams to keep employee records, pay practices, and compliance activities on track. The position combines high-volume payroll administration with hands-on support for onboarding, benefits-related processes, and reporting in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:
• Administer end-to-end payroll processing on a biweekly schedule for a workforce of approximately 340 employees across multiple states, with primary emphasis on California payroll practices.
• Review employee pay data for accuracy, resolve payroll discrepancies, and complete off-cycle adjustments or corrections when needed.
• Reconcile payroll records, validate payroll-related liabilities, and prepare supporting documentation to ensure accurate reporting and balancing.
• Partner with the controller and other internal stakeholders to support payroll reviews, internal controls, and financial coordination tied to payroll activity.
• Generate reports and provide audit support for items such as annual 401(k) review requirements and other payroll-related compliance needs.
• Assist with HR administration by coordinating onboarding activities for new employees and maintaining employee data for both exempt and non-exempt populations.
• Provide support for digital benefits administration processes, including open enrollment activities and employee access-related coordination.
• Review timekeeping and expense information to help confirm complete and accurate payroll inputs before each processing cycle.
• Contribute to payroll and HR projects during the contract period, including process support related to system access or operational updates as needed.• 3-5+ years of experience managing full-cycle payroll in a high-volume environment.
• Proven background processing multi-state payroll, including strong working knowledge of California wage and hour requirements.
• Hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now or a comparable payroll platform.
• Ability to work autonomously, prioritize deadlines, and maintain accuracy in a fast-moving setting.
• Experience handling payroll reconciliations, payroll tax compliance, and payroll liability review.
• Familiarity with onboarding support, employee classifications, and general HR administrative processes.
• Strong Excel skills, including the use of VLOOKUPs and PivotTables for payroll analysis and reporting.