Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist – Job Description

Position Summary

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely processing of payroll for all employees. This role handles payroll-related compliance, maintains employee payroll records, coordinates with HR and Finance, and provides exceptional support to employees regarding compensation-related inquiries.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Processing

• Process weekly, bi-weekly, or semi-monthly payroll for salaried and hourly employees.
• Review and validate timecards, timesheets, and attendance records for accuracy.
• Calculate wages, overtime, bonuses, commissions, deductions, and garnishments.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws.

Recordkeeping & Reporting

• Maintain accurate payroll records in HRIS/payroll systems.
• Prepare payroll reports for Finance, HR, and leadership.
• Reconcile payroll discrepancies and ensure proper general ledger entries.
• Support month-end and year-end processes including W-2s and 1099s.

Compliance & Controls

• Stay informed of changes in payroll tax regulations, wage laws, and benefits rules.
• Ensure payroll practices adhere to corporate policies and legal requirements.
• Submit payroll tax filings and assist with audits as needed.

Employee Support

• Respond to employee questions about pay, taxes, deductions, and direct deposit.
• Assist with onboarding and termination payroll processing.
• Manage updates to employee information, such as tax status or bank details.

Qualifications

Required

• 2–4 years of payroll processing experience.
• Strong understanding of payroll regulations (FLSA, wage laws, tax rules).
• Experience with payroll systems (ADP, Paychex, Ceridian, UKG, etc.).
• Proficient in Excel and HRIS systems.
• High attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.

Preferred

• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or FPC certification.
• Experience in multi-state payroll.
• Familiarity with benefits administration and accounting principles.

Key Skills

• Payroll accuracy & auditing
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Confidentiality and data integrity
• Customer service mindset
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work under deadlines

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.