Payroll Specialist

Description We are looking for a detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to support accurate and compliant payroll operations for a high-volume workforce in San Diego, California. This Contract position will play a key role in delivering timely pay, maintaining reliable employee compensation records, and working closely with internal teams to improve payroll service quality. The ideal candidate brings strong knowledge of payroll regulations, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to manage deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:

• Process payroll for a large employee population on a biweekly schedule, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with company policies and applicable laws.
• Review timekeeping records for hourly and part-time staff, verify reported hours, and resolve discrepancies before payroll is finalized.
• Respond to employee questions related to pay, deductions, and payroll adjustments, and follow through on issues until they are resolved.
• Maintain employee pay and personnel information in payroll and related systems with a high level of accuracy and confidentiality.
• Escalate complex payroll matters or unresolved concerns to the Payroll Supervisor when additional review is needed.
• Apply withholdings, garnishments, deductions, and other payroll adjustments in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements.
• Partner with Human Resources to support benefit-related payroll updates and help keep employee records current and consistent.
• Assist with payroll activities such as overtime calculations, paid leave processing, expense reimbursement review, and wage computations. Requirements
• At least 2 years of experience managing full-cycle payroll, preferably in a high-volume environment with more than 500 employees.
• Hands-on experience processing biweekly payroll and supporting multi-state payroll operations.
• Working knowledge of California payroll regulations, including wage and hour requirements and applicable tax rules.
• Proficiency with ADP Workforce Now, spreadsheet tools, databases, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience reviewing timesheets, calculating wages, administering overtime, and processing payroll-related adjustments.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to meet tight deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, along with strong organization, multitasking, and problem-solving abilities.

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) .