Payroll Specialist

SUMMARY

The Mumu Payroll Specialist is a temporary role and plays a key role in ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant payroll processing in alignment with federal, state, and local regulations. This position provides vital support across payroll, accounting, and HR functions, contributing to the overall operational efficiency of the organization. As a trusted payroll expert, the specialist is responsible for managing end-to-end payroll activities, maintaining accurate employee records, and ensuring seamless integration with benefits and accounting systems. This role involves analyzing and reconciling time and attendance data, preparing payroll reports, and partnering on cross-functional initiatives involving finance, human resources, and organizational compliance. Additionally, the Payroll Specialist supports internal audits, assists with policy implementation, and contributes to process improvements that enhance payroll accuracy, data integrity, and employee satisfaction. The individual in this role must be within commuting distance of the Mumu HQ in Downtown Los Angeles & Mumu Warehouse in Commerce, CA. The HR/Payroll Assistant will work 4 days per week, in-person; and the remaining days remotely.

CORE DUTIES

• Ensure accurate and timely processing of multi-site payroll in compliance with California wage and hour laws, including split shifts, piece-rate pay, and meal/rest break premiums.
• Maintain and update payroll and HRIS systems with a strong focus on data integrity and compliance with CA-specific labor regulations.
• Assist with special projects and ad hoc payroll reporting related to production, compliance, and workforce planning.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll, benefits, and wage statements, ensuring clear communication in English and Spanish (as needed).
• Review and validate timecard entries, including piecework logs, overtime, and shift differentials; coordinate with supervisors to ensure timely approvals each pay period.
• Investigate and resolve timekeeping and payroll discrepancies quickly to avoid disruptions to production payroll cycles.
• Process payroll transactions, including wage adjustments, bonuses, retroactive pay, garnishments, tax levies, and Paid Sick Leave (PSL) in accordance with California labor codes.
• Administer final pay for terminations in compliance with CA final paycheck requirements, support new hire orientations and benefits enrollment.
• Ensure payroll compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local labor laws, including Wage Theft Prevention Act and relevant Industrial Welfare Commission (IWC) Orders.
• Assist with payroll and HR audits (e.g., EDD, DLSE, I-9), including preparation and organization of required documentation.
• Support year-end processes including W-2 distribution, ACA reporting, and reconciliation of wage data.
• Assist with payroll accounting tasks such as journal entries, check reversals, off-cycle payments, and GL reconciliations.
• Facilitate payroll and timekeeping trainings for supervisors and line managers to promote accurate labor reporting.
• Recommend and help implement process improvements to streamline payroll operations in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Maintain and organize payroll records in accordance with California retention guidelines; oversee secure distribution of paystubs and required notices.
• Collaborate closely with HR and Production teams to address employee concerns while maintaining a positive and compliant workplace culture.
• Perform other payroll and HR support duties as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Minimum 3 years of multi-state payroll processing experience; processing payroll for 250 Employees.
• Ability to deal sensitively with confidential material and information
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Must be highly organized and able to prioritize, works with a sense of urgency.
• The candidate must be a team player, willing and able to work cross-functionally with multiple departments
• Dynamic problem solving and project management skills
• Bilingual Spanish is required

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

• Experience with ADP Workforce Now payroll system, ADP Timeclocks & timekeeping 
• Bachelor's Degree (or 4 years of equivalent work experience), preferably in Business
• 2 years of relevant payroll experience (in addition to degree or years of previous experience), preferably with a Fundamental Payroll Certification
• Working knowledge of CA payroll compliance regulations, taxes, and wage laws.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
• Intermediate proficiency in MS Excel & ADP Reporting
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office suite, i.e., Word, Outlook, etc.
• Excellent follow-through and attention to detail

COMPENSATION

• $26.00 To $29.00 Hourly depending on experience