Description We are looking for a Payroll Specialist to join a school district team in Downey, California on a Long-term Contract basis. This position will play a central role in supporting payroll operations, partnering with cross-functional teams, and helping ensure accurate, compliant pay practices. The ideal candidate brings strong payroll systems knowledge, a detail-focused approach to validation and reporting, and the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

• Partner with HR, finance, IT, and district stakeholders to gather payroll process needs and translate them into system and operational requirements.
• Guide payroll-related system implementation activities, including setup coordination, workflow alignment, and issue resolution throughout the project lifecycle.
• Configure payroll functions, perform end-to-end testing, and investigate processing errors to maintain reliable system performance.
• Oversee data conversion efforts by reviewing migrated records, reconciling payroll information, and confirming the accuracy of employee and pay data.
• Create user guides, reference materials, and training sessions to support payroll staff and other end users in adopting updated processes and tools.
• Act as the primary point of contact with external software partners to escalate concerns, track resolutions, and support timely troubleshooting.
• Monitor payroll practices for adherence to applicable regulations, district policies, and reporting standards.
• Provide ongoing support after implementation by addressing user questions, recommending improvements, and assisting with future payroll system enhancements. Requirements
• Proven experience in payroll administration with hands-on involvement in payroll systems, configuration, or implementation support.
• Working knowledge of payroll platforms and related tools, including systems such as ADP Workforce Now, Ceridian, Dayforce, or comparable applications.
• Familiarity with accounting software, auditing practices, benefits administration, and payroll-related financial processes.
• Experience validating, reconciling, and reviewing payroll or HR data to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Ability to develop training content and explain payroll procedures clearly to staff with varying levels of technical knowledge.
• Strong understanding of payroll compliance requirements, reporting obligations, and internal control standards.
• Excellent collaboration and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work effectively across functional teams and with third-party vendors.

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