Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist We are seeking a Payroll Specialist to join a busy payroll team. This role is responsible for processing payroll accurately and on schedule while ensuring compliance with company policies and federal and state payroll regulations. The ideal candidate has strong experience with in-house payroll systems, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to manage payroll deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Location: Pasadena, CA Pay: $26 - $30 per hour (pay can go higher with union payroll experience) Contract to hire If you have union payroll experience, it is a huge plus Position Overview We are seeking an Payroll Specialist to join a busy payroll team. This role is responsible for processing payroll accurately and on schedule while ensuring compliance with company policies and federal and state payroll regulations. The ideal candidate has strong experience with in-house payroll systems, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to manage payroll deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Key Responsibilities Process weekly payroll for a multi-employee workforce, ensuring accuracy and timely completion. Review and verify employee time records, payroll adjustments, and earnings before payroll submission. Prepare direct deposit files, manual checks, stop payments, and payroll corrections as needed. Maintain employee payroll records, including new hires, rehires, pay rate updates, and benefit deductions. Generate and submit union fringe benefit reports and related documentation. Reconcile payroll reports and verify payroll balances before final processing. Research and resolve payroll discrepancies, tax questions, and job cost allocation issues. Process wage garnishments, payroll tax adjustments, and employer-paid benefit taxation. Respond to payroll-related inquiries from employees, Human Resources, and Accounting. Complete required year-end payroll activities, including W-2 and corrected W-2 processing. Assist with compliance reporting, unclaimed property requirements, and new hire reporting. Maintain payroll records and perform general administrative support as needed. Qualifications Minimum of 5 years of hands-on payroll processing experience. Experience working with an in-house payroll system such as JD Edwards, Oracle, or a similar ERP platform. Strong data entry skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Solid understanding of federal and California payroll laws, wage and hour regulations, payroll taxes, and garnishments. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict payroll deadlines. Preferred Experience Experience with union payroll and fringe benefit reporting. Familiarity with payroll reconciliations and year-end payroll processing. Experience supporting payroll audits and compliance reporting.