Payroll Specialist

A growing company in the services/hospitality-related space is seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to manage end-to-end payroll operations across a multi-state workforce. This role is highly visible and plays a critical part in ensuring payroll accuracy, compliance, and timely processing.This is an excellent opportunity for someone who takes ownership, enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, and is comfortable navigating evolving processes and systems. This is a temporary to hire opportunity that will begin onsite and transition to a hybrid schedule. Key ResponsibilitiesProcess bi-weekly payroll for a multi-state employee population Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations Review and audit timesheets to maintain data accuracy and integrity Manage benefit and 401(k) deductions, including reporting and reconciliations Support payroll system enhancements and process improvements Serve as the primary point of contact for employee payroll inquiries Assist with ad hoc projects and reporting as needed Qualifications3 years of payroll experience, ideally in a 100 employee environment Experience processing multi-state payroll Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (audits, reconciliations, reporting) Strong attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines Excellent problem-solving and communication skills Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information Experience with ADP Workforce Now Familiarity with 401(k) payroll administration Understanding of prevailing wage requirements Experience working with union employees (preferred) Knowledge of California labor laws strongly preferred Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products. costa mesa, CA, US On-Site Construction Vaco $ 38.00 - 42.00 hourly contract-to-hire