Payroll Specialist

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionWe are looking for a Payroll Specialist to support payroll and benefits operations for a healthcare organization in Torrance, California. This Long-term Contract position will play a key role in maintaining accurate payroll processing, assisting employees with payroll and benefits questions, and providing administrative support during benefit cycles. The role is well suited for someone who is detail-oriented, service-minded, and comfortable working in a multi-state payroll environment using payroll and HR systems.

Responsibilities:

• Manage end-to-end biweekly payroll processing for approximately 165 employees across multiple states while ensuring accuracy and timely completion.
• Use ADP Workforce Now to maintain payroll records, support benefits administration activities, and generate payroll-related documentation.
• Prepare recurring and ad hoc reports related to payroll, deductions, and benefits to support internal review and decision-making.
• Reconcile medical benefit invoices against enrollment and payroll deduction data to identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Provide administrative assistance for open enrollment activities, including employee communication support and record coordination.
• Respond to employee inquiries involving pay, deductions, and benefit matters with professionalism, patience, and clear follow-through.
• Perform Excel-based analysis using tools such as lookup functions and pivot tables to validate data and improve reporting accuracy.
• Partner with internal team members during coverage and transition periods to learn procedures, maintain continuity, and support returning staff as needed.
• Hands-on experience processing payroll, including at least 1 year of direct payroll administration work.
• Prior use of ADP Workforce Now is strongly preferred; candidates with Paychex experience and solid payroll or accounting knowledge may also be considered.
• Demonstrated background handling full-cycle payroll, ideally with 2 or more years of relevant experience.
• Familiarity with payroll practices in a multi-state environment and a working knowledge of California wage and hour guidelines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the ability to use VLOOKUPs and Pivot Tables for reporting and reconciliation tasks.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage confidential information accurately and consistently.
• Customer-focused communication skills, with the patience and professionalism to address employee questions effectively.
• Willingness to ask questions, learn established processes, and work collaboratively within a service-oriented team culture.