Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist Full Time – In-Person | Oakland, CASafe Passages disrupts the cycle of poverty by engaging youth and families to build and drive a continuum of services that supports student success and community development.Safe Passages is a non-profit organization committed to disrupting the cycle of poverty by supporting our local community. We serve over 5,000 children and families annually through strategies that span the life spectrum from birth through young adulthood, including Early Childhood, School Linked Services, Juvenile Justice, and Career Pathways. Safe Passages’ work is grounded in the belief that access to educational opportunity, health services, and family support should not be dictated by race or socio-economic status, and that healthy and supported youth are better prepared to learn and succeed.The Payroll Specialist plays a key role in our Fiscal Team, ensuring accurate and timely payroll, maintaining records, resolving discrepancies, and supporting audits. Collaborating with HR and Finance, this role handles employee status changes, benefits deductions, and tax filings while ensuring compliance with all payroll regulations. This position offers hands-on experience in payroll and finance within a mission-driven organization, providing opportunities for professional growth, skill development, and making a meaningful impact on the well-being of our employees.At Safe Passages, you’re not just joining a workplace; you’re joining a community. Our team is deeply committed to equity, collaboration, and meaningful impact. You’ll work alongside passionate professionals who care about the work as much as they care about one another. Here, your expertise contributes directly to creating safer, healthier, and more equitable opportunities for children, youth, and families across Oakland.Duties may include, but are not limited to:Process weekly, semi-monthly, and off-cycle payrolls for all Safe Passages employees accurately and on timeMaintain accurate, up-to-date payroll records and ensure all data is properly coded for processingMaintain compliance with all payrolls, wage, and hour regulations at the federal, state, and local levelsCollaborate with HR to process employee status changes, including new hires, terminations, promotions, and leave of absencesEnter and verify timekeeping records, ensuring accurate hours worked, PTO, and holiday payProcess wage garnishments, benefit deductions, retirement contributions, and other required withholdingsAssist with payroll tax filings and stay updated on tax regulation changesSupport payroll audits, maintain audit-ready documentation, and review payroll correspondence to resolve notices with the Fiscal TeamAssist the Controller and Finance director in implementing payroll policies and proceduresGenerate reports to identify discrepancies, correct errors, recover overpayments, and maintain accurate financial recordsResolve payroll discrepancies and address time sensitive payroll inquiries from employees, staff, and AmeriCorps membersMinimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent work experience) in accounting, finance, business administration, or related fieldAt least 5 years of experience in full-cycle payroll processing, accounting, or financeProficiency with payroll software, timekeeping systems, and Microsoft ExcelPreferred Qualifications:Strong communication and interpersonal skillsExcellent customer service availabilitiesHigh attention to detail and strong organizational skillsAbility to work independently and maintain confidentialityAdditional Requirements:Proof of eligibility to work in the U.S.Full FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccinationTB test within the last 3 yearsFor Your Work/Life Balance:13 paid holidays1 Floating holidayMedical, dental, and vision benefitsPaid time off and sick leave accrualsEmployee Assistance ProgramWork Schedule:This position is based on a 40-hour work week. Must be able to work a flexible schedule with some evening and weekend hours as needed, especially on days with hard payroll deadlines. Some local travel may be required.Compensation:Annual salary of $65K – $75KSafe Passages is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.