Payroll Specialist

Description

We are looking for an experienced Payroll Specialist to join a team in California in a contract capacity with the potential to become permanent. This onsite role supports permanent hours Monday through Friday and is ideal for someone who can oversee payroll operations with accuracy, consistency, and strong regulatory awareness. The position plays an important role in keeping payroll records current, processing biweekly payroll on schedule, and supporting sound financial administration.

Responsibilities:

- Oversee the complete in-house payroll cycle and ensure employees are compensated accurately and within established deadlines.

- Process biweekly payroll while verifying earnings, deductions, and adjustments before final submission.

- Prepare payroll-related filings and year-end documents, including quarterly reports and W-2 forms, with close attention to accuracy.

- Maintain timekeeping and attendance data, updating records as needed to support correct payroll calculations.

- Administer payroll changes tied to garnishments, retirement contributions, and other employee-specific deductions or with holdings.

- Reconcile payroll activity, review transaction details, and assist with audits to support accurate financial reporting.

- Apply current federal and state payroll regulations to day-to-day processing and help maintain ongoing compliance across payroll practices.

Contact Robert Half at  for consideration!

Requirements - At least 2 years of direct experience processing payroll in a hands-on capacity.

- Strong working knowledge of full-cycle in-house payroll, including biweekly payroll processing and payroll tax activities.

- Experience preparing quarterly filings, W-2s, and other standard payroll documentation.

- Understanding of timekeeping systems, payroll adjustments, garnishments, and 401(k) deductions.

- Solid accounting skills related to payroll reconciliations and transaction review.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with Great Plains is highly preferred.

- Knowledge of applicable federal and state payroll regulations.

- Spanish language skills are a plus, along with strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving abilities.

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  for more information.

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