Senior Payroll Specialist

About Our Companies: 

Ponte Winery, Ponte Vineyard Inn, and Bottaia Winery are a family-owned hospitality and wine enterprise in the heart of Temecula Wine Country. Since 1984, we have farmed estate vineyards and now produce over 20 estate-grown varietals within certified sustainable facilities. Our Four Diamond, 90-room boutique hotel offers guests a relaxing escape among 300 acres of vineyards, while Bottaia Winery provides a modern wine tasting and poolside experience. Together, our associates are dedicated to delivering excellent hospitality, outstanding food and wine, and memorable guest experiences across all properties. 

Job Summary: 

The Senior Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for approximately 260 employees across multiple entities in a hospitality and wine enterprise environment. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, maintains payroll and employee records, administers benefits and deductions reporting, and serves as the primary point of contact for payroll-related questions. The position requires strong analytical skills, confidentiality, and the ability to work collaboratively with HR, accounting, and operations teams. 

Schedule: 

• Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm.
• Flexibility required during payroll deadlines and year-end reporting periods.

Compensation: $33.65–$38.46 hourly, depending on experience. 

Benefits Per Company Plan Details: 

• Medical, Dental, Vision 
• 401k Matching Plan
• Life Insurance
• Hospital Confinement Plan
• Pet Insurance
• 3 Weeks of PTO 
• 8 Paid Holidays 
• Associate Birthday Paid Off

*The terms and conditions associated with each Benefit are outlined in the Associate Handbook, additional documentation provided by Human Resources, or within the policies of the carriers providing the benefits*

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Prepare and process bi-weekly payroll for ~260 employees (20% salaried, 80% hourly).
• Manage multi-entity payroll runs, ensuring accuracy of hours, tips, commissions, and salaried pay.
• Review and input timecards, PTO, overtime, and shift differentials.
• Reconcile payroll registers and resolve discrepancies prior to submission.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws (California focus).
• Administer and report garnishments, deductions, and benefit contributions.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and employee information in HRIS/payroll systems.
• Generate reports for management, accounting, and external agencies as needed.
• Partner with HR on new hires, terminations, and changes in employment status.
• Support audits and provide payroll documentation as needed.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll inquiries, providing timely and accurate communication.
• Collaborate with HR and accounting teams to ensure consistency and accuracy of data.
• Assist with benefit reconciliations, year-end reporting, and W-2 distribution.
• Identify and recommend updates to payroll processes, systems, and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned by your Manager.

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Strong knowledge of payroll processes including preparation, balancing, and internal controls.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and California wage and hour laws.
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and confidentiality.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite with advanced Excel skills.
• Proficient with payroll/HRIS systems (ADP is a plus).
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments.

Education and Experience: 

• Associate’s or bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, HR, or related field preferred; equivalent work experience accepted.
• Minimum 3–5 years of payroll processing experience, preferably in hospitality, winery, or multi-entity environments.
• FPC or CPP certification preferred.

Company Standards: 

• Understand the Ponte Values, and Service Standards. 
• Ensure the safety of guests and associates.
• Follow the environmental standards set by the Company.
• Treat all associates and guests in a respectful manner.
• Exhibit integrity (honesty and truthfulness).