Payroll Clerk at Ledgent Finance & Accounting in San Mateo, California

Payroll Clerk

Ledgent Finance & Accounting is seeking a payroll clerk for a temporary assignment (approximately 3-6 months) supporting our well renowned client. This is a 100% onsite role. Hours are Monday through Friday, with a standard schedule of 7:30am-4:30pm some flexibility may be available). The team is looking to onboard someone as soon as possible. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and Excel is essential. Experience with payroll and HRIS systems is highly valued.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the timekeeping system
• Assist team locations with timekeeping data entry and coding as needed
• Process payroll data by collecting, calculating, verifying, and entering information in compliance with applicable laws, leave policies, and collective bargaining agreements
• Maintain and update payroll records, including changes in exemptions, benefits, deductions, and employee status
• Prepare payroll reports summarizing earnings, taxes, deductions, and leave balances
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll
• Ensure payroll operations follow established policies and procedures; identify and report needed improvements
• Maintain strict confidentiality of payroll information
• Collect and verify employee timekeeping data

HRIS & Systems

• Utilize HRIS tools to support payroll and HR functions efficiently
• Support reporting and system optimization to improve team productivity
• Assist with maintaining accurate system configurations aligned with current policies and legal requirements (taxes, benefits, etc.)

General Administrative Support

• Provide administrative support to Human Resources and Accounting teams (documentation, recordkeeping, reporting, etc.)
• Maintain and update payroll-related materials across multiple sites
• Support compliance with union-related processes where applicable

Qualifications

• Minimum 2+ years of payroll experience
• Associate's or bachelor's degree in accounting or related field preferred
• Knowledge of general accounting principles
• Experience with data entry, reporting, and maintaining high levels of accuracy and confidentiality
• Familiarity with federal and state payroll regulations
• Strong technical skills, including proficiency in Microsoft excel and exposure to payroll/HR systems
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion
• Strong customer service orientation
• Excellent numerical aptitude and attention to detail
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Effective communication and problem-solving abilities
• Bilingual (Spanish) skills are a plus

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.