Payroll Specialist

Pay Rate Range: $42hr- $45hr. Based on our Sacramento, CA office location. Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt Location(s): Sacramento, CA ( This is a Hybrid role with 3 days in the office and 2 days remote. Payroll Specialist Job Function The Payroll Lead is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the payroll process, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and timely execution of payroll operations. This role performs the day‑to‑day payroll functions, prepares payroll documentation, and works closely with HR, Finance, and external vendors to manage payroll systems and reporting. This position performs and manages prevailing wage reporting, assists with payroll audits, and year‑end payroll activities. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Payroll Review & Processing Review and approve employee data changes in payroll system. Enter and/or review employee updates entered in Deltek (Accounting System). Process bi‑weekly and weekly payrolls for review, as needed. Perform the first‑level review of bi‑weekly and weekly payrolls. Prepare payroll recap reports highlighting payroll changes and anomalies. Collaborate with payroll team for corrections and coordinate final reviews as needed. Assist with maintaining internal control processes for payroll team for payroll generation and other payroll team assignments. Respond to employee payroll questions and requests. Tax and Compliance Process employee tax withholding updates within the payroll system. Assist with quarterly payroll tax filings prepared by the payroll provider. Assist with state payroll reporting and correspondence. Maintain employee payroll records and supporting documentation. Ensure payroll records are complete and audit‑ready. Prevailing Wage Oversight Maintain Prevailing Wage (PW) rate schedules for WY Inspectors. Process weekly uploads for WY Inspectors to the DIR (Department of Industrial Relations). Track prevailing wage requirements for subcontractors on active projects. Review certified payroll reports for completeness prior to management review. Accounting Interface Assist and/or review payroll journal entries in Deltek. Maintain payroll reconciliations and supporting documentation. Assist with payroll‑related reporting requests. Reporting & Audits Assist with preparation of quarterly census reports. Assist with the annual Workers’ Compensation audit. Assist with payroll year‑end processing and reconciliation. Coordinate with HR to schedule any additional year‑end payroll runs. Maintain payroll files and documentation for audits. Qualifications Required Education and/or Experience A minimum of 3 years of related experience Preferred Education and/or Experience Experience in Certified Payroll and CA Prevailing Wage processes. Excellent verbal and written communication skills Flexibility and ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and collaborate with teammates in a fast‑paced environment Self‑motivated, well‑organized and detail‑oriented Ability to handle confidential information Proficiency with payroll software Travel Requirements *This position may require travel to other offices and/or client offices. Standard Benefits We provide a comprehensive array of valuable benefits to protect your health, your family, and your way of life. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health saving accounts (with West Yost contribution), paid vacation, paid sick leave and holidays, two employee assistance programs, travel assistance program, 401(k) profit sharing with employer match, leaves of absence with additional supplemental paid time off, parental leave, life and AD&D insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance, and even pet insurance. Other Unique Benefits You’ll be provided with support in on‑going education through our 529 college savings plan/student loan repayment program, tuition reimbursement, paid professional memberships, paid training, and Leadership Academy programs. You’ll be recognized for your contributions at West Yost through milestone anniversary benefits, peer to peer recognition programs, the potential for employee stock ownership, annual monetary and paid time off bonuses, performance‑based bonus eligibility, merit increase eligibility, and employee referral bonuses. We also offer a wellness reimbursement. West Yost Associates is an affirmative action participant EOE/M/F/D/V. West Yost Associates provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. #J-18808-Ljbffr West Yost