Payroll Administrator

Colleen McAuliffe from Robert Half is looking for a Payroll Administrator to support accurate, compliant payroll operations for a multi-state workforce in California. This role is responsible for maintaining payroll records, assisting with employee data updates, and helping ensure tax filings and reporting are completed correctly and on time. The ideal candidate brings strong payroll experience, sound judgment with sensitive information, and the ability to work effectively across departments in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:

Partner with internal teams to keep payroll processing aligned and verify adjustments before they are finalized. Assist with onboarding setup by reviewing employment and payroll documents for completeness across multiple states and work locations. Reconcile payroll tax activity, maintain accurate monthly records, and help meet filing deadlines in accordance with applicable requirements. Maintain employee payroll information, including withholding elections, direct deposit details, compensation changes, and contact information updates. Oversee payroll-related deductions for benefits, retirement plans, and other employee-elected programs to ensure proper processing. Administer paid leave and absence-related pay entries so approved time away is reflected correctly in payroll. Prepare and submit quarterly and year-end payroll reporting, including wage and contractor tax documents and other required filings. Perform routine audits of payroll data to identify discrepancies, support compliance, and improve record accuracy. Support adherence to federal, state, and local payroll regulations, and contribute to special projects connected to payroll and HR operations. Minimum of 5 years of payroll administration experience. At least 2 years of payroll experience in construction, infrastructure, or another project-driven environment. Hands-on experience processing multi-state payroll with strong knowledge of payroll tax reporting requirements. Familiarity with union payroll, certified payroll, or prevailing wage rules is highly valued. Experience using payroll platforms such as Foundation and field workforce tools such as WorkMax is preferred. Strong Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel, for reporting, reconciliation, and payroll analysis. Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to handle confidential information professionally. Associate degree or higher in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred. 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 "Apply Now," you're agreeing to Robert Half's Terms of Use and Privacy Notice .