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.• 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.