Payroll Specialist

Overview

The Payroll Specialist supports the Payroll Manager in ensuring accurate and timely processing of payroll for approximately 550 California-based employees, including those covered under collective bargaining agreements. This position is responsible for independently processing one of three payrolls while maintaining full compliance with California labor laws, union agreements, and company policies. The role collaborates closely with HR, Finance, and field operations to ensure accuracy, consistency, and efficiency across all payroll activities.

Duties

• Process one of three weekly payrolls for hourly, salaried, and union employees, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with California labor law and company policy.
• Review and validate timecard data from the company’s internally developed timekeeping system, confirming job classifications, union rates, and work hours.
• Audit payroll data, including deductions, garnishments, reimbursements, and benefits contributions.
• Reconcile payroll results, verify funding reports, and prepare summaries for Finance as needed.
• Serve as a point of contact for payroll-related inquiries and resolve pay discrepancies promptly and professionally.
• Support the Payroll Supervisor with audits, quarterly and annual tax filings, and year-end reporting (W-2s, union, and benefit reports).
• Collaborate with HR and Finance to ensure accurate setup of new hires, terminations, and job changes.
• Maintain organized payroll records and ensure readiness for internal and external audits.
• Participate in process improvements and assist with testing and validating updates in the payroll or timekeeping systems.
• Ensure full compliance with collective bargaining agreements and all state and federal wage and hour regulations.

Qualifications

• Education: Highschool diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree desirable.
• Experience:
• 2–5 years of progressive payroll experience, highly desirable union payroll within California.
• Experience processing payroll using internally developed or custom timekeeping systems preferred.
• Familiarity with multi-cyle payroll processing a plus.

Technical Skills:

• Strong Excel skills and attention to numerical accuracy.
• Experience with Spectrum Payroll highly desirable
• Working knowledge of payroll tax principles and California wage and hour compliance.

Knowledge:

• Deep understanding of California payroll, including overtime, meal/rest premiums, prevailing wage, and final pay timing.

Certifications:

• FPC or CPP preferred but not required.

Core Competencies:

• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and customer service orientation.
• Integrity and discretion with confidential information.
• Highly organized and dependable under tight deadlines.
• Collaborative and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.