Payroll & HR Compliance Specialist

About the company

Join a team with a unique employee culture that doesn't just talk about core values, but exemplifies them in everything we do. They are: do the right thing, quality matters, question everything, and growth through care. We believe in investing in our people to play to their strengths and have the right people in the right seats. All employees have bi-yearly performance reviews to ensure clarity of job expectations.

To learn more about our culture, please visit our careers page on our website.

We are seeking a detail-oriented Payroll & HR Compliance Specialist for a 6 month on-site contract in Berkeley, CA. This role will manage end-to-end bi-weekly payroll processing, ensure compliance with federal, state (California), and local employment laws — including FMLA, CFRA, and wage & hour regulations — and administer employee benefits including 401(k) retirement plans. This is a contractual role ideal for a professional with strong payroll systems experience and a solid understanding of HR compliance and benefits administration.

• Process bi-weekly payroll accurately and on time for all employees and contractors
• Review and verify timesheets, overtime, bonuses, commissions, and deductions
• Manage payroll adjustments, corrections, and off-cycle payments
• Reconcile payroll reports and resolve discrepancies
• Maintain payroll records in compliance with recordkeeping requirements

• Administer employee 401(k) enrollment, contributions, and changes
• Ensure accurate and timely submission of employee/employer 401(k) contributions to the plan provider
• Coordinate with third-party administrators (TPAs) and recordkeepers for plan compliance
• Support annual 401(k) non-discrimination testing and Form 5500 filing preparation
• Reconcile 401(k) contribution reports against payroll data
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding 401(k) eligibility, vesting, and loans/withdrawals
• Assist with open enrollment for retirement and other benefit programs

• Ensure payroll and HR practices comply with FLSA, FMLA, CFRA, ERISA, IRS regulations, and California state wage and hour laws (including meal/rest break, overtime, and final pay rules)
• Track and administer employee leave requests under FMLA/CFRA, coordinating eligibility determinations, documentation, and return-to-work processes
• Ensure compliance with California-specific leave laws (e.g., Paid Sick Leave, Pregnancy Disability Leave) alongside federal FMLA requirements
• Stay current on changes in payroll tax law, labor law, leave law, and benefits regulations
• Prepare and file required payroll tax reports (federal, state, local)
• Support internal and external audits related to payroll, benefits, leave administration, and compliance
• Maintain and update employee records in the HRIS/payroll system, including leave and accommodation documentation
• Assist in the development and enforcement of HR policies and procedures
• Ensure proper classification of employees vs. independent contractors (exempt/non-exempt under FLSA and CA law)

• Generate payroll, tax, and benefits reports for management and finance teams
• Maintain compliance documentation, audit trails, and required labor law postings
• Prepare year-end documents (W-2s, 1099s, ACA forms, etc.)

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 3+ years of experience in payroll processing and HR compliance
• Hands-on experience administering 401(k) plans and working with retirement plan providers/TPAs
• Strong knowledge of payroll tax regulations, FLSA, FMLA/CFRA, ERISA, and California wage & hour laws
• Proficiency with payroll/HRIS systems (e.g., ADP, Paychex, Gusto, Workday, UKG, or similar). Rippling is preferred.
• Advanced Excel skills; comfort working with large data sets
• High level of accuracy, confidentiality, and attention to detail
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to meet strict payroll deadlines

• You want a career in pharmacy or compounding
• You are looking for opportunities for growth and promotions
• You love learning new skills and are open to…