Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist

Johnson Service Group (JSG) is seeking a Payroll Specialist in Orange County, CA. Work Schedule - Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm. (1-2 days per week in-office) Pay range: $25-$28 per hour Payroll Specialist (Hybrid | Irvine, CA | Non-Exempt)

Overview

Join the Human Resources team and play a pivotal role in delivering accurate, compliant, and on-time payroll for approximately 500 employees. Reporting to the Director, Human Resources, the Payroll Specialist owns the day-to-day execution of semi-monthly payroll operations—auditing timesheets and deductions, maintaining payroll records, coordinating with vendors and agencies, and keeping procedures current and audit-ready. You'll also partner closely with HR Generalists on benefit plan administration, annual audits, and compliance reporting, making this a highly visible role that directly supports employees and organizational integrity.

Required Skills

• Proven ability to prepare and process semi-monthly payroll end-to-end through an HRIS
• Experience ensuring payroll accuracy by auditing timesheets, deductions, and payroll changes (new hires, terminations, transfers, promotions, compensation updates)
• Strong working knowledge of multi-state employment and payroll compliance, including wage and hour considerations
• Ability to manage and reconcile payroll-related items such as tax filings/issuances (including W-2s), billings, and required reporting
• Experience supporting or coordinating with external auditors on payroll-related audits
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to collaborate across all levels of the organization
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to maintain confidentiality
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HRIS platforms

Nice to Have Skills

• Experience processing payroll in multi-company, multi-state environments with varied compensation packages
• Familiarity with compliance areas such as ERISA, IRS Section 125/cafeteria plans, FMLA, COBRA, OSHA, I-9 requirements, and EEO reporting
• Experience providing Paycom guidance, training, and education to employees and leaders
• Professional credentials such as PHR, SHRM-CP, or a Payroll Certification

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or a related field plus 2–4 years of experience, or 6–8 years of experience with an emphasis on generalist and payroll responsibilities (preferred)

Other Requirements

Hybrid role based in Irvine, CA Home work setup requirements: Internet access via cable or fiber with 40 MB download / 20 MB upload Wired Ethernet connection required (wireless connections and hotspots are not permitted) A designated room for an office or steps taken to protect company information Ability to maintain a HIPAA-compliant workstation and use appropriate security techniques to protect confidential/protected data

JSG offers medical, dental, vision, life insurance options, short-term disability, 401(k), weekly pay, and more. Johnson Service Group (JSG) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. JSG provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.