Payroll Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for a Payroll/HR Specialist to support accurate and timely payroll operations for a large employee population in Salinas, California. This Long-term Contract position is ideal for someone who brings strong knowledge of end-to-end payroll processing, multi-state compliance, and payroll administration within a fast-paced environment. The role will work closely with HR and related teams to maintain payroll accuracy, address employee pay matters, and support ongoing payroll activities.

Job Title: Payroll/HR Specialist

Location: Salinas, CA

Job Type: Long-Term Temporary, 6–8 Months

Pay Rate: $28–$34/hour

Key Responsibilities

• Process and support payroll activities, including timekeeping review, payroll changes, deductions, and employee updates. Based on general knowledge.
• Maintain accurate employee records and HR documentation. Based on general knowledge.
• Assist with onboarding, offboarding, and new hire paperwork. Based on general knowledge.
• Respond to employee inquiries related to payroll, benefits, timekeeping, and HR policies. Based on general knowledge.
• Support leave tracking, PTO administration, and other employee status changes. Based on general knowledge.
• Assist with benefits administration and related employee communications. Based on general knowledge.
• Help ensure compliance with company policies and applicable employment practices. Based on general knowledge.
• Support audits, payroll reconciliations, and reporting as needed. Based on general knowledge.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality with employee and payroll information. Based on general knowledge.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in payroll, HR, or a blended payroll/HR role.
• Experience with payroll management is a valued technical competency.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage sensitive information.
• Effective communication and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with payroll systems, HRIS platforms, and Microsoft Office.
• Experience with systems such as Workday, SAP, Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft D365, QuickBooks,

• Demonstrated experience managing full cycle payroll from data review through final payroll completion.

• Background handling payroll across multiple states with a solid understanding of related compliance considerations.

• Hands-on experience using ADP Workforce Now for payroll processing and payroll record management.

• Working knowledge of payroll administration principles, including earnings, deductions, taxes, and reconciliations.

• Experience collaborating with Human Resources on employee updates that affect payroll processing.

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain accuracy while meeting recurring deadlines.