Payroll Specialist

We are looking for a Payroll Specialist to join our team in Costa Mesa, California for a Contract position. This role will oversee high-volume payroll operations for a large hourly workforce, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on schedule across multiple states. The ideal candidate brings strong end-to-end payroll experience, sound knowledge of timekeeping practices, and the ability to work effectively within fast-paced payroll environments.

Responsibilities:
• Manage the full payroll cycle for approximately 1,300 hourly employees on a bi-weekly schedule, maintaining accuracy and timeliness throughout each pay period.
• Review, validate, and process payroll data for a multi-state employee population, ensuring compliance with applicable wage and hour requirements.
• Investigate and resolve payroll inquiries submitted through a ticketing system, providing clear follow-up and timely issue resolution.
• Audit time and attendance records before payroll submission to confirm hours, exceptions, and pay adjustments are properly recorded.
• Use Rippling to process payroll transactions, maintain payroll records, and support consistent payroll administration.
• Assist with Workday-related payroll activities tied to time attendance and payroll processing as needed.
• Reconcile payroll information and identify discrepancies, making corrections prior to finalizing payroll runs.
• Partner with internal teams to support accurate employee data updates that affect pay, deductions, and time reporting.

Qualifications:

• At least 5 years of experience handling full cycle payroll in a high-volume environment.
• Proven ability to process payroll for large hourly employee populations, including workforces exceeding 500 employees.
• Hands-on experience managing multi-state payroll with strong understanding of payroll compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with Rippling for payroll administration and reporting.
• Familiarity with Workday HRIS, particularly in areas connected to payroll and time tracking.
• Experience reviewing attendance records and resolving timekeeping discrepancies before payroll completion.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage competing deadlines effectively.

Compensation

$30.00-$35.00 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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