What are the responsibilities and job description for the Payroll Analyst position at California Water Service Group (CWSG)?
Job Description:
The Payroll Analyst is responsible for supporting the monthly and quarterly payroll accounting close as well as processing bi-weekly payroll, including pre and post payroll activities. The position is located in San Jose, CA.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Prepare and post payroll journal entries accurately and in a timely manner
- Perform reconciliation of payroll balance sheet accounts and resolve reconciling items in a timely manner
- Conduct a flux analysis to identify variances in payroll accounts
- Support with month end and quarter end accounting close
- Support bi-weekly payroll to ensure employees are paid accurately and on time using the Workday system
- Review payroll records for accuracy and ensure they meet federal, state tax, and union requirements
- Audit payroll information according to established payroll cut-off and processing schedules
- Perform testing to ensure implementation of payroll and timecard changes are correct
- Conducts audits of employee payroll records to ensure compliance with the laws
- Work with HR to ensure new hires, job changes, terminations, status changes, LOAs, tax changes, deductions, pay changes, retroactive adjustments, and special pay are properly recorded in the payroll system and documented
- Review and analyze data quality in Workday system
- Support with payroll taxes and making sure they are resolved in a timely manner
- Assist with internal and external audits such as SOX and 401(k) audits
- Support wage payment and resolve any ACH returns or checks issue
- Assist with final payments for terminated employees or pay corrections
- Identify and implement process improvement for payroll
- Work with benefits to ensure deductions and employee changes are captured correctly
- Ensure timely and effective resolution of payroll matter
- Work with Stock team and assist with RSU and ESPP purchase
- Respond to employee inquiries in a timely manner
- Support Payroll Year End activities
- Process any tax adjustments that are required
- Collaborate with internal partners including HR, Treasury, Accounting, Internal Audit, Tax and Stock Administrator
- Provide support for various special projects as needed
- Performs work on-site in the assigned office location
- Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or equivalent experience
- Experience with ERP is preferred
- Four years working in payroll or similar roles
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) is preferred
- Knowledge of state and federal payroll tax regulations
- Experience with Workday Payroll Module is preferred
- Strong analytical and organizational skills
- Excellent communication skills to interact with managers, internal partners, coworkers, all levels of employees, and suppliers
- Proficient with Microsoft applications, strong spreadsheet skills to perform analytical work
- Valid Driver license
Salary Range: $82,900 - $153,800
Deadline to submit resume is Wednesday, November 5, 2025
The Equal Opportunity Policy of the Company is based upon the philosophy that all people should be treated fairly and with dignity. California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, New Mexico Water Service and Washington Water Service do not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected class. The Company makes all employment decisions in a non-discriminatory manner. EOE, VET, DISABILITIES.
Salary : $82,900 - $153,800