Payroll Specialist Robert Half - 3.9 Palm Desert, CA Job Details Temporary | Contract $19.79 - $25.00 an hour 22 hours ago Benefits Disability insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Vision insurance Qualifications Confidential information handling Payroll deduction management HR communication Spreadsheets Filing Mid-level Employee data management Compliance documentation Data reporting support Organizational skills Data accuracy checks Payroll reconciliation Communication skills Employee record maintenance Accounting support Payroll record maintenance Documentation reviews Workday Excel data analysis Full Job Description We are looking for a Payroll Specialist to join a non-profit organization in Palm Desert, California on a Long-term Contract basis. This position plays a key role in delivering accurate bi-weekly payroll support, maintaining reliable records, and helping ensure payroll practices align with applicable policies and regulations. The ideal candidate brings strong Excel capabilities, hands-on payroll experience, and the discretion needed to manage sensitive employee information. Familiarity with Workday and exposure to municipal or multi-state payroll environments would be valuable in this role.

Responsibilities:

Administer bi-weekly payroll activities with a focus on accuracy, timeliness, and consistent follow-through. Examine payroll entries and supporting information to confirm completeness and adherence to organizational guidelines and legal requirements. Update employee payroll records for items such as onboarding changes, separations, withholding adjustments, and direct deposit revisions. Reconcile payroll reports before final processing and investigate discrepancies to ensure issues are resolved promptly. Organize and maintain payroll files, reports, and documentation while safeguarding confidential information. Address employee questions related to pay, deductions, and payroll records in a responsive and thorough manner. Prepare payroll-related reports and provide support for audits, compliance reviews, and required record retention activities. Work closely with human resources and accounting teams to keep payroll data aligned across functions. Use Microsoft Excel to analyze payroll information, perform reconciliations, and produce clear reporting. Assist with payroll system-related tasks, including work within Workday when applicable. Previous experience in a payroll support, payroll clerk, or payroll specialist capacity. Demonstrated success processing bi-weekly payroll on a consistent basis. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data review, reconciliation, and reporting. Knowledge of full-cycle payroll practices, with multi-state payroll experience preferred. Exposure to Workday is advantageous, and Workday payroll experience is especially beneficial. Municipal payroll experience is highly desirable. Excellent attention to detail, sound organizational skills, and the ability to solve problems effectively. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to handle confidential information appropriately. 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. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more. 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. © 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking "," you're agreeing to Robert Half's Terms of Use and Privacy Notice .