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SL
Senior Legal Services
Bookkeeper and Payroll Specialist
Career Insights for Payroll Specialist (General)
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Based on California data
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What they do
A Payroll Specialist manages the financial and accounting work involved in processing payroll for a company or organization. Manages employee benefits programs and payroll deductions, or assists with evaluating compensation levels for different job categories and titles.
$57,441 / year median in California
-8% projected decline
Job Description
DESCRIPTION
The Bookkeeper is a hands-on role responsible for managing the organization's finances, grant spending, payroll and light HR administration. This position ensures accurate bookkeeping, compliance with grant and donor fiscal requirements, efficient internal operations, and effective administrative support in alignment with the organization's mission. Key Responsibilities- Perform all bookkeeping functions, including transaction entry and reconciliations
- Process accounts payable, accounts receivable, reimbursements, and vendor payments
- Prepare and process payroll
- Reconcile bank and credit card accounts monthly
- Maintain organized and audit-ready financial records
- Track restricted and unrestricted funds across grants and funding sources
- Monitor grant budgets, spending timelines, and compliance requirements
- Prepare monthly financial reports, including budget-to-actual analysis
- Monitor cash flow and support financial planning and sustainability
- Provide financial insights to leadership and the Board
- Coordinate annual audit, review, or financial check-in with external accountants
- Identify financial and operational risks and recommend mitigation strategies
- Coordinate payroll changes, benefits enrollment, and time tracking
- Serve as a point of contact for basic HR and benefits questions, escalating as needed
- Partner closely with the Executive Director on finance and operations matters
- Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and mission focus
- Other duties as assigned Key Competencies
- Strong nonprofit bookkeeping and grant management experience
- Understanding of basic HR administration and compliance
- High attention to detail and organizational skills
- Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a small-team environment
- Clear and collaborative communication style
- Commitment to the organization's mission and values SLS is committed to diversity and cultivating a culture of equity and inclusion within where all staff can flourish and grow professionally and well beyond.