Payroll Specialist (Onsite) – Phoenix, AZ

At Verde, we believe clean and healthy spaces create better places to work, learn, and play. Every day, our teams help customers create environments where people can thrive-and we know that starts by taking care of our own people.

As a Hispanic-owned company, we're proud to be driven by our Core Values of Safety, Sustainability, Social Impact, and Awesomeness. These values come to life through the Verde Vibes-our culture of teamwork, ownership, accountability, and service.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Payroll Specialist to join our team in Phoenix, AZ. This is a fully onsite role responsible for processing payroll for approximately 450 employees across multiple states, with a strong emphasis on California payroll compliance. The ideal candidate is highly organized, deadline-driven, and well-versed in complex multi-state payroll regulations, particularly California wage and hour laws. 

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Processing

• Process accurate and timely bi-weekly payroll for approximately 450 employees across multiple states (exempt and non-exempt)

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, with particular expertise in California wage and hour laws (overtime, meal & rest premiums, split shift pay, reporting time pay, final pay requirements, etc.)

• Review and reconcile timekeeping data, ensuring accuracy before each payroll run

• Process off-cycle payroll runs, manual checks, and termination pay in accordance with applicable state deadlines

• Administer garnishments, levies, child support orders, and other payroll deductions accurately and on time

California & Multi-State Compliance

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of California Labor Code requirements including PAGA exposure, itemized wage statement requirements (CA Labor Code 226), and pay stub accuracy

• Manage payroll tax filings and registrations across multiple states

• Ensure compliance with CA pay frequency rules, final pay laws, PTO payout requirements, and sick leave accruals

• Support multi-state new hire reporting and unemployment insurance filings

Payroll Administration & Recordkeeping

• Maintain accurate payroll records, employee pay data, and payroll history in HRIS/payroll system

• Respond to employee payroll inquiries in a timely and professional manner

• Coordinate year-end payroll processes including W-2 preparation and distribution

• Support internal and external payroll audits, General Liability Insurance audits, and Workers Compensation Insurance audits

Systems & Process Improvement

• Maintain and optimize payroll system configurations to align with company policies and compliance requirements

• Identify and recommend improvements to payroll processes and internal controls

• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and Operations to ensure accurate employee data and seamless payroll processing

Qualifications

Required

• 2-5 years of payroll processing experience, including multi-state payroll

• Strong, working knowledge of California payroll laws and regulations (overtime rules, final pay, wage statements, meal/rest premiums, etc.)

• Experience processing payroll for 300 employees

• Proficiency with a ADP-Workforce Now

• Strong Excel skills including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and data reconciliation

• High degree of accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to meet strict payroll deadlines

• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential employee information with discretion

Preferred

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, or related field

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)

• Experience in industries with hourly/non-exempt workforces (facilities services, janitorial, construction, hospitality, or similar)

Core Competencies

• Highly organized with strong time management skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously

• Analytical mindset with a sharp eye for discrepancies and data accuracy

• Self-starter who takes ownership of the payroll function with minimal supervision

• Strong communicator - able to explain payroll concepts clearly to employees and cross-functional partners

• Collaborative team player with a service-oriented approach

• Integrity and professionalism in handling sensitive compensation data

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.