Payroll Specialist

We are looking for a detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to support payroll operations for a workforce of approximately 600 employees in Whittier, California. This Long-term Contract position is ideal for someone who can manage payroll processing with accuracy, maintain employee payroll records, and work effectively in a fast-paced public sector environment. The role will play a key part in keeping payroll activities running smoothly while also assisting with timekeeping, benefits-related updates, and coordination tied to HR and payroll system integration efforts.

Responsibilities:
• Process end-to-end biweekly payroll for approximately 600 salaried employees with a high level of accuracy and timeliness.
• Review, verify, and enter all employee time records, including auditing paper timesheets before payroll is finalized.
• Maintain payroll data in the designated payroll system and ensure all earnings, deductions, and coding details are recorded correctly.
• Support specialized payroll activities such as pension-related entries, police department payroll items, and coded overtime or differential pay requirements.
• Administer payroll changes related to garnishments, insurance updates, and other employee-specific deductions already established in the system.
• Coordinate with HR and internal stakeholders to confirm information connected to disability claims, insurance matters, and personnel record updates.
• Assist with payroll processing tasks involving manual entry, reconciliation, and double-checking entries where required for compliance and accuracy.
• Contribute to payroll continuity during HR and timekeeping system integration efforts by helping manage workflow and processing demands.
• Prepare payroll for final payment processing and help ensure records are complete for reporting and audit purposes.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience managing full-cycle payroll from time entry through final processing.
• Background handling payroll for a workforce of more than 500 employees.
• Ability to review and audit large volumes of timecards with strong attention to detail.
• Experience working with payroll systems such as CentralSquare, ADP Workforce Now, or UKG Pro.
• Knowledge of payroll deductions, garnishments, pension-related items, and employee record maintenance.
• Familiarity with multi-state payroll environments is preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to meet recurring biweekly payroll deadlines.
• Effective communication skills for working with HR, department contacts, and payroll stakeholders.

Compensation

$27.71-$32.09 Hourly

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