Payroll Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Payroll Specialist (Temporary)

Location: Visalia, CA
Pay: $29.60/hour
Schedule: Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Assignment Type: Long-Term Temporary

Position Overview

Key Staffing is currently recruiting for a Payroll Specialist on behalf ofour client. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll professional who enjoys working in a structured, fast-paced environment where accuracy, confidentiality, and attention to detail are essential.

This position will report directly to the Controller and will be responsible for processing the agency's bi-weekly payroll while also supporting a variety of accounting functions. The ideal candidate will have experience processing payroll within a medium to large organization and possess a strong understanding of payroll regulations, accounting principles, and financial recordkeeping. Experience working for a government or quasi-government agency is preferred, but not required.

Please Note: This is currently a temporary position only .

Essential Payroll Responsibilities

• Process bi-weekly payroll accurately and timely in accordance with agency policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.
• Collect, validate, and enter employee timesheets and attendance records into the payroll system.
• Calculate and process:
• • Overtime
  • Benefit deductions
  • Tax withholdings
  • Wage garnishments
  • Accruals
  • Other payroll adjustments
• Maintain and update employee payroll records including:
• • Tax information
  • Benefits
  • Pay rates
  • Leave balances
  • Direct deposit information
  • Address and deduction changes
• Prepare, reconcile, balance, and correct payroll reports.
• Coordinate payroll processing with a third-party payroll provider if payroll functions become outsourced.
• Prepare payroll tax deposits and complete quarterly and annual payroll reporting, including W-2 processing.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and agency payroll regulations.
• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies while responding to employee payroll inquiries.
• Interpret agency policies, procedures, and labor agreements as they relate to payroll processing.

Accounting Responsibilities

• Assist with accounts payable, payroll accounting, and specialized Housing Authority accounting functions.
• Prepare journal entries and journal vouchers.
• Assist in preparing financial statements, schedules, spreadsheets, and financial reports.
• Support fiscal year-end closing activities and audit preparation.
• Compile supporting documentation for internal and external audits.
• Research and resolve accounting discrepancies while maintaining proper accounting controls.
• Prepare a variety of local, state, and federal financial reports and claims.
• Answer questions regarding accounting procedures and financial transactions.
• Assist other accounting staff as needed.
• Maintain organized financial records and accounting files.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of payroll and accounting experience required.
• Experience processing payroll for a medium to large organization strongly preferred.
• Government or quasi-government payroll experience is a plus, but not required.
• Strong understanding of payroll laws, tax withholdings, deductions, and payroll compliance.
• Experience preparing payroll tax reports, W-2s, and quarterly filings.
• Knowledge of general accounting principles and financial recordkeeping.
• High level of accuracy, organization, and attention to detail.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and time management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality with sensitive employee and financial information.
• Proficiency with computerized payroll and accounting systems, as well as Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is someone who:

• Has a strong payroll background and enjoys working with numbers.
• Thrives in a deadline-driven environment.
• Takes pride in producing accurate work with minimal supervision.
• Can balance payroll responsibilities while supporting broader accounting functions.
• Maintains professionalism and confidentiality at all times.
• Works well independently while collaborating effectively with the accounting team.

If you're an experienced payroll professional looking for a rewarding opportunity to support a respected public agency, we'd love to hear from you!