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RH
Robert Half
Payroll Specialist
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Scorecard
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
Full-Time Engagement Professional (FTEP)
Position OverviewThe Payroll Specialist is responsible for processing multi-state payroll, ensuring payroll accuracy, maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations, managing employee payroll records, and supporting payroll-related projects. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, adaptable, and capable of quickly integrating into new client environments while delivering a high level of service.
Key ResponsibilitiesProcess bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payrolls accurately and on time.
Administer payroll for salaried, hourly, exempt, and non-exempt employees.
Review and audit payroll transactions, earnings, deductions, taxes, and adjustments.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
Process bonuses, commissions, retroactive pay, garnishments, and special payments.
Maintain payroll records and employee data within payroll systems.
Reconcile payroll-related accounts and prepare payroll journal entries.
Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end payroll activities.
Manage payroll tax filings and coordinate with third-party payroll providers.
Process employee onboarding, offboarding, and payroll changes.
Respond to employee payroll questions and resolve discrepancies.
Support audits and provide payroll-related reporting and documentation.
Assist with payroll system implementations, upgrades, and process improvements.
Collaborate with HR, Accounting, Finance, and Benefits teams.
QualificationsAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business, or related field preferred.3+ years of payroll processing experience.
Experience managing multi-state payroll.
Strong understanding of payroll tax laws, wage and hour regulations, and payroll compliance requirements.
Experience with payroll systems such as ADP Workforce Now, UKG, Paycom, Paylocity, Workday, Ceridian Dayforce, or similar platforms.
Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and reporting functions.
Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
Strong customer service and communication abilities.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive employee information.
Location:
San Mateo County, CA (Hybrid)Employment Type:
Full-TimeAbout the OpportunityJoin Robert Half's Full-Time Engagement Practice and enjoy the stability of full-time employment while supporting leading organizations throughout the Peninsula. This role offers exposure to diverse industries, payroll systems, and business environments while allowing you to build expertise in payroll operations, compliance, and process improvement initiatives.Position OverviewThe Payroll Specialist is responsible for processing multi-state payroll, ensuring payroll accuracy, maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations, managing employee payroll records, and supporting payroll-related projects. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, adaptable, and capable of quickly integrating into new client environments while delivering a high level of service.
Key ResponsibilitiesProcess bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly payrolls accurately and on time.
Administer payroll for salaried, hourly, exempt, and non-exempt employees.
Review and audit payroll transactions, earnings, deductions, taxes, and adjustments.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.
Process bonuses, commissions, retroactive pay, garnishments, and special payments.
Maintain payroll records and employee data within payroll systems.
Reconcile payroll-related accounts and prepare payroll journal entries.
Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end payroll activities.
Manage payroll tax filings and coordinate with third-party payroll providers.
Process employee onboarding, offboarding, and payroll changes.
Respond to employee payroll questions and resolve discrepancies.
Support audits and provide payroll-related reporting and documentation.
Assist with payroll system implementations, upgrades, and process improvements.
Collaborate with HR, Accounting, Finance, and Benefits teams.
QualificationsAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business, or related field preferred.3+ years of payroll processing experience.
Experience managing multi-state payroll.
Strong understanding of payroll tax laws, wage and hour regulations, and payroll compliance requirements.
Experience with payroll systems such as ADP Workforce Now, UKG, Paycom, Paylocity, Workday, Ceridian Dayforce, or similar platforms.
Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and reporting functions.
Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
Strong customer service and communication abilities.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive employee information.