Payroll Specialist

Location: Oakdale, California
Compensation: $32.00-36.00 Hourly DOE
Schedule: Full Time | On Site
Reports To: Controller
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

• Process end-to-end payroll for employees, including wages, bonuses, commissions, deductions, garnishments, benefits, and tax withholdings.
• Ensure timely and accurate payroll processing while maintaining compliance with company policies and applicable regulations.
• Process payroll-related changes including new hires, terminations, salary adjustments, tax elections, and benefit deductions.
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies, overpayments, and employee payroll inquiries.
• Maintain payroll records and employee payroll data with a high degree of accuracy and confidentiality.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, wage and hour laws, and tax requirements.
• Stay current on payroll legislation and reporting requirements.
• Complete required payroll reporting and filings accurately and on time.
• Assist with year-end payroll activities, including W-2 and 1099 preparation and distribution.
• Maintain payroll records in accordance with retention and compliance standards.

Auditing & Analysis

• Perform payroll audits, reconciliations, and quality control reviews.
• Analyze payroll data to identify trends, discrepancies, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Prepare payroll reports and provide payroll-related insights to leadership as needed.
• Research and resolve payroll errors and inconsistencies.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Maintain and support payroll and HRIS systems.
• Assist with payroll system implementations, upgrades, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Develop and improve payroll processes, procedures, and internal controls to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Train employees and supervisors on payroll systems, timekeeping, and self-service tools.

Human Resources Support

• Partner with Human Resources to ensure employee records are accurate and up to date.
• Assist with onboarding, benefits administration, and other HR-related functions as needed.
• Provide exceptional customer service to employees regarding payroll-related matters.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of employee, payroll, and benefits information.

Qualifications

Required

• 3+ years of payroll processing experience.
• Strong understanding of payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and payroll compliance.
• Experience with payroll and HRIS systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation.
• Previous Human Resources experience.
• Advanced Excel skills, including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs, and data analysis.
• Experience implementing or upgrading payroll systems.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Collaborative and team-oriented work environment