Payroll Specialist

Job Title: Payroll Specialist - Events & Catering (ADP Workforce Now Expert)

How to apply: Qualified candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their relevant ADP experience to

Location: Jay's Catering

10581 Garden Grove Blvd.

Garden Grove, CA 92843

Reports To: Accounting Manager

Summary of Role:

Join the dynamic Finance Team at Jay's Catering, a premier Orange County catering and events company including Ellie's Table bakery and café located in San Juan Capistrano at the historic Egan House and Irvine at The Boardwalk. We are seeking an experienced and meticulous Payroll Specialist to manage our bi-weekly payroll process utilizing ADP Workforce Now. This role is critical in ensuring the accurate and compliant processing of payroll for our diverse team, with a strong emphasis on managing complex compensation structures, particularly high-volume tip and event bonus data imported via spreadsheets. The ideal candidate is a proactive team player, ready to support the Accounting team with flexible duties beyond payroll processing.

Job Type: Full Time with Benefits

Salary: $27 - $30 / hour based on experience

Benefits:

401k

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Sick Time

Paid Time Off

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Processing & Data Mastery (70%)

• Execute the complete bi-weekly payroll cycle for 125 employees (including full-time, part-time, and event staff) using ADP Workforce Now.
• Critical Function: Prepare, manipulate, audit, and successfully import large, external data files (tips, event bonuses, commissions, and expense reimbursements) into ADP WFN, ensuring absolute accuracy and reconciliation prior to transmission.
• Administer timecards, track time-off accruals, and manage the high volume of new hires and terminations common in the catering industry.
• Maintain strict compliance with all local, state, and federal wage and hour laws, with specialized expertise in IRS tip reporting regulations and FICA taxes on tips.
• Manage and process all mandatory and voluntary deductions, including garnishments and benefit contributions.
• Handle quarter-end and year-end close procedures, including reconciling and distributing W-2s.

Accounting Collaboration & Team Support (30%)

• General Ledger (G/L) Support: Prepare accurate payroll journal entries and assist with the month-end reconciliation of payroll-related balance sheet accounts (e.g., wages payable, tax liabilities, benefit deductions).
• Cross-Training & Flexibility: Serve as a dedicated team player by assisting the Accounting department with various non-payroll tasks as needed, which may include bank reconciliations, vendor statement audits, fixed asset tracking, or supporting accounts payable/receivable cycles.
• Develop and document streamlined procedures for the spreadsheet import and audit process to enhance efficiency and reduce manual errors.
• Provide superior internal customer service by professionally addressing employee pay and deduction inquiries.

Required Qualifications

• 3 years of direct payroll administration experience, ideally within the hospitality, retail, or service industry with a high volume of tipped employees.
• Mandatory: Expert-level proficiency and hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now (WFN) for payroll processing and reporting.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, data validation) is essential for data import and reconciliation tasks.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state payroll regulations, particularly those impacting tipped employees (FLSA, tip pooling, etc.).
• Excellent organizational skills and an unwavering attention to detail.

Proven ability to be flexible, adaptable, and willing to take on non-payroll accounting duties as a collaborative team member.

Pay: $ $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $27 - $30