Payroll Specialist

Description

We are looking for a Payroll Specialist to join our team in California. This role supports payroll and human resources activities by ensuring employees are paid accurately and on schedule while maintaining organized personnel documentation. The ideal candidate brings strong payroll knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to work confidently with compliance requirements in a fast-paced exploration and production environment.

Responsibilities:

- Process full-cycle payroll for a workforce of more than 500 employees, reviewing time and attendance information for completeness and accuracy before each pay run.

- Administer multi-state payroll activities, including wage calculations, overtime, deductions, benefit with holdings, garnishments, and other required adjustments.

- Manage payroll updates related to employee status changes such as onboarding, compensation adjustments, transfers, and separations.

- Investigate payroll variances, correct discrepancies promptly, and respond to employee questions regarding earnings, deductions, and payment timing.

- Maintain accurate employee records, including tax forms, direct deposit details, and other payroll and HR documentation in accordance with company standards.

- Support onboarding administration by preparing onboarding documents, updating personnel files, and recording employee information changes as needed.

- Prepare payroll-related reports, labor summaries, and supporting documentation for leadership, accounting, and audit requests.

- Help uphold compliance with applicable wage and hour laws, tax regulations, and internal payroll procedures across all assigned activities.

- Provide HR administrative support with employee file maintenance and related clerical tasks that contribute to smooth day-to-day operations.

Requirements - 3+ years of experience in payroll processing, including full-cycle payroll responsibilities.

- Hands-on experience managing payroll for large employee populations, preferably 500 or more employees.

- Working knowledge of multi-state payroll practices and related compliance requirements.

- Proficiency with ADP Workforce Now and general payroll systems.

- Experience supporting HR administration, including employee records management and onboarding paperwork.

- Familiarity with certified payroll processes and standard payroll reporting activities.

- High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education in human resources, accounting, business, 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.

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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  for more information.

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