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Karman Space & Defense
Senior Payroll Specialist
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What they do
A Payroll Specialist manages the financial and accounting work involved in processing payroll for a company or organization. Manages employee benefits programs and payroll deductions, or assists with evaluating compensation levels for different job categories and titles.
$57,441 / year median in California
-8% projected decline
Job Description
Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.
As the Senior Payroll Specialist, you ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing across a highvolume, multistate employee population. You will manage complex transactions, support payroll reconciliation and reporting, uphold data integrity, and serve as a primary resource for payroll inquiries. Your work strengthens compliance, improves payroll accuracy, and enhances the overall employee experience.
ResponsibilitiesProcesses weekly or biweekly multistate payrolls accurately and on time using ADP Workforce Now (WFN).Manages complex payroll transactions including bonuses, retroactive adjustments, offcycle checks, garnishments, and tax levies.
Coordinates closely with human resources (HR) to validate data for new hires, terminations, bonus payments, and other payrollimpacting changes.
Reconciles payroll prior to transmission to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Prepares and distributes customized payroll reports for finance, audits, and internal stakeholders.
Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, including Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requirements.
Supports yearend payroll activities including preparation of Forms W2 and W2c.
Investigates discrepancies, identifies root causes, and implements corrective actions.
Maintains payroll system data integrity and supports process improvements, audits, and special projects.
Supports payroll activities related to acquisitions and organizational changes.
Required QualificationsMinimum of 57 years of progressive, handson U.S. payroll experience, preferably in complex multistate environments.
Experience with ADP Workforce Now (WFN).Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including VLOOKUPs, PivotTables, and other data analysis functions.
Strong working knowledge of FLSA compliance and payroll tax regulations.
Proven experience processing highvolume payrolls with strong accuracy and timeliness.
Strong analytical, problemsolving, and reconciliation skills.
Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to confidentiality.
Familiarity with garnishment processing and priority.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage competing priorities in a fastpaced environment.
Strong customer service orientation with a collaborative approach.
Preferred QualificationsFamiliarity with SOX compliance requirements.
Experience supporting benefits and retirement plan administration.
Experience with payroll data, reporting, or administrative support in complex operational environments.
BenefitsMedical, dental, and vision insurance401(k) with company matchPaid time offHealth Savings Account (HSA) with company contributionFlexible Spending Accounts (FSA)Companypaid life and AD\&D insuranceShort and longterm disability coverageTuition reimbursementKarman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
As the Senior Payroll Specialist, you ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing across a highvolume, multistate employee population. You will manage complex transactions, support payroll reconciliation and reporting, uphold data integrity, and serve as a primary resource for payroll inquiries. Your work strengthens compliance, improves payroll accuracy, and enhances the overall employee experience.
ResponsibilitiesProcesses weekly or biweekly multistate payrolls accurately and on time using ADP Workforce Now (WFN).Manages complex payroll transactions including bonuses, retroactive adjustments, offcycle checks, garnishments, and tax levies.
Coordinates closely with human resources (HR) to validate data for new hires, terminations, bonus payments, and other payrollimpacting changes.
Reconciles payroll prior to transmission to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Prepares and distributes customized payroll reports for finance, audits, and internal stakeholders.
Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, including Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requirements.
Supports yearend payroll activities including preparation of Forms W2 and W2c.
Investigates discrepancies, identifies root causes, and implements corrective actions.
Maintains payroll system data integrity and supports process improvements, audits, and special projects.
Supports payroll activities related to acquisitions and organizational changes.
Required QualificationsMinimum of 57 years of progressive, handson U.S. payroll experience, preferably in complex multistate environments.
Experience with ADP Workforce Now (WFN).Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including VLOOKUPs, PivotTables, and other data analysis functions.
Strong working knowledge of FLSA compliance and payroll tax regulations.
Proven experience processing highvolume payrolls with strong accuracy and timeliness.
Strong analytical, problemsolving, and reconciliation skills.
Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to confidentiality.
Familiarity with garnishment processing and priority.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage competing priorities in a fastpaced environment.
Strong customer service orientation with a collaborative approach.
Preferred QualificationsFamiliarity with SOX compliance requirements.
Experience supporting benefits and retirement plan administration.
Experience with payroll data, reporting, or administrative support in complex operational environments.
BenefitsMedical, dental, and vision insurance401(k) with company matchPaid time offHealth Savings Account (HSA) with company contributionFlexible Spending Accounts (FSA)Companypaid life and AD\&D insuranceShort and longterm disability coverageTuition reimbursementKarman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.