Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist

Location: Oakdale, California

Compensation: $32.00–$36.00 per hour DOE

Schedule: Full Time | On Site

Reports To: Controller

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Payroll Specialist to support payroll operations for a growing organization in Oakdale, California. This role is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll while ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Administration

• Process end-to-end payroll for employees, including wages, bonuses, commissions, deductions, garnishments, benefits, and tax withholdings.
• Ensure timely and accurate payroll processing while maintaining compliance with company policies and applicable regulations.
• Process payroll-related changes including new hires, terminations, salary adjustments, tax elections, and benefit deductions.
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies, overpayments, and employee payroll inquiries.
• Maintain payroll records and employee payroll data with a high degree of accuracy and confidentiality.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, wage and hour laws, and tax requirements.
• Stay current on payroll legislation and reporting requirements.
• Complete required payroll reporting and filings accurately and on time.
• Assist with year-end payroll activities, including W-2 and 1099 preparation and distribution.
• Maintain payroll records in accordance with retention and compliance standards.

Auditing & Analysis

• Perform payroll audits, reconciliations, and quality control reviews.
• Analyze payroll data to identify trends, discrepancies, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Prepare payroll reports and provide payroll-related insights to leadership as needed.
• Research and resolve payroll errors and inconsistencies.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Maintain and support payroll and HRIS systems.
• Assist with payroll system implementations, upgrades, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Develop and improve payroll processes, procedures, and internal controls to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Train employees and supervisors on payroll systems, timekeeping, and self-service tools.

Human Resources Support

• Partner with Human Resources to ensure employee records are accurate and up to date.
• Assist with onboarding, benefits administration, and other HR-related functions as needed.
• Provide exceptional customer service to employees regarding payroll-related matters.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of employee, payroll, and benefits information.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum of 3 years of payroll processing experience.
• Strong understanding of payroll tax regulations, wage and hour laws, and payroll compliance.
• Experience with payroll and HRIS systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation.
• Previous Human Resources experience.
• Advanced Excel skills, including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs, and data analysis.
• Experience implementing or upgrading payroll systems.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Collaborative and team-oriented work environment