Payroll Specialist

We are looking for a detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to join a team in California on a contract-to-permanent basis. This role is ideal for someone who can manage payroll operations accurately and efficiently in a fast-paced environment supporting a large employee population. The right candidate will bring strong knowledge of multi-state payroll practices, payroll compliance, and payroll systems while delivering dependable service to employees and internal stakeholders.

Responsibilities:
• Administer end-to-end payroll processing for a workforce of more than 500 employees, ensuring timely and accurate pay distribution.
• Handle multi-state payroll activities while applying applicable wage and hour rules, tax requirements, and payroll regulations.
• Review employee time records for completeness and accuracy, resolve discrepancies, and validate approvals before each payroll cycle.
• Manage bi-monthly payroll schedules and maintain payroll data within systems such as ADP Workforce Now and Paylocity.
• Calculate earnings, deductions, garnishments, taxes, and other payroll adjustments in accordance with company policy and legal requirements.
• Respond to payroll-related questions from employees and internal partners, providing clear guidance on pay, deductions, and timekeeping matters.
• Maintain payroll records and support audits, reporting needs, and reconciliations with a high level of accuracy and confidentiality.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience processing full-cycle payroll from data review through final submission and post-payroll reconciliation.
• Hands-on knowledge of multi-state payroll administration and payroll tax compliance.
• Experience supporting payroll for employee populations of 500 or more.
• Proficiency with payroll platforms, including ADP Workforce Now; exposure to Paylocity is also preferred.
• Strong ability to review timesheets, identify inconsistencies, and correct payroll inputs before processing.
• Solid understanding of payroll laws, payroll functions, and standard payroll reporting practices.
• High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to meet recurring payroll deadlines.

Compensation

$28.50-$33.00 Hourly

About Us

Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.

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All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.

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