Payroll Clerk

Description We are looking for a detail-oriented Payroll Clerk to support payroll operations for a Contract to hire position based in Sacramento, California. This role is responsible for ensuring employee pay is handled accurately, on schedule, and in compliance with applicable regulations. The ideal candidate brings strong payroll processing experience, sound judgment when handling sensitive data, and the ability to work effectively with HR, benefits, accounting, and external providers.

Responsibilities:

• Administer end-to-end payroll activities for semi-monthly pay cycles, ensuring all entries are completed accurately and within established deadlines.
• Review payroll data before final submission, reconcile totals, and verify reports to confirm accuracy prior to release.
• Maintain compliance with payroll tax requirements by coordinating timely quarterly filings at the federal and state levels, including Washington State labor-related reporting.
• Manage wage garnishments and other deductions by applying correct calculations and following applicable legal guidelines.
• Collect and document required authorizations for special payments such as retroactive earnings, stipends, and off-cycle checks before processing.
• Support year-end payroll activities, including preparation and validation of W-2 and 1099 information, and update accruals tied to non-routine compensation.
• Enter and maintain payroll system changes for wages, hours, tax withholdings, retirement contributions, and benefit deductions, while providing a secondary review of transactions submitted by HR.
• Reconcile payroll vendor statements, benefit invoice amounts, and related payroll records, then coordinate with internal teams to resolve discrepancies and support payment approval.
• Provide training to employees on timekeeping practices, complete time and attendance setup and audits, process terminations, and prepare ad hoc payroll, financial, and audit-related reports as needed.
• Assist with annual compliance activities such as 401(k) reporting, provider updates for employee status changes, and workers' compensation audit support in partnership with HR. Requirements
• At least 2 years of payroll experience, including full-cycle payroll processing in a multi-employee environment.
• Hands-on experience processing payroll for organizations with approximately 101 to 500 employees.
• Working knowledge of garnishment administration, payroll tax practices, and payroll compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with ADP Workforce Now and confidence maintaining accurate payroll records within a payroll system.
• Ability to review, reconcile, and validate payroll data with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong understanding of deductions, benefit withholdings, and 401(k) contribution processing.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate productively with HR, accounting, benefits, and employees.
• Reliable attendance and the ability to manage confidential information with professionalism and discretion.

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 (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-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 (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/terms) and Privacy Notice (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/privacy) .