Payroll Specialist

Description We are looking for a Payroll Specialist to join a mission-driven non-profit organization in San Diego, California. This Contract to Permanent opportunity is ideal for a payroll specialist who can manage accurate payroll administration, maintain employee data integrity, and provide responsive support to internal stakeholders. The role partners closely with payroll and human resources leadership to help ensure timely processing, reliable reporting, and compliance with established procedures.

Responsibilities:

• Manage semi-monthly payroll cycles from data collection through final submission, and complete additional off-cycle payments or manual checks when required.
• Prepare separation payments accurately, including eligible accrued time payouts and applicable benefit deductions for departing employees.
• Maintain employee payroll records and update personnel data to support accurate pay, deductions, and reporting.
• Research payroll questions, identify the source of discrepancies, and resolve issues in a timely and effective manner.
• Review timekeeping records for accuracy, including hours worked, leave coding, meal period compliance, allocations, multiple pay rates, and approved adjustments.
• Audit payroll results and produce reconciliations and reports for human resources, finance, accounting, and audit requests.
• Review personnel action documentation and ensure system updates are completed correctly and in alignment with internal procedures.
• Administer wage garnishments and support retirement plan processing, including enrollments, updates, terminations, and related deduction transfers.
• Reconcile benefit invoices, investigate billing variances, and confirm payroll deductions align with enrolled benefit plans.
• Process invoices related to payroll services and retrieve supporting documentation requested by internal teams or external auditors. Requirements
• At least 3 years of payroll experience, with strong capability in full-cycle payroll processing.
• Associate's degree or equivalent practical experience; additional education in accounting or business is preferred.
• Advanced Excel skills and the ability to analyze payroll data with a high degree of accuracy.
• Experience using payroll systems such as UKG Pro and the ability to learn new tools and processes quickly.
• Strong mathematical skills, including confidence working with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and payroll-related calculations.
• Ability to follow established procedures consistently and contribute to documenting new workflows when needed.
• Excellent organization, discretion, and attention to detail, with the ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Strong, service-oriented communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with employees, managers, and senior leadership.

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