Payroll & Benefits Specialist

We are seeking an experienced Payroll & Benefits Specialist to join our rapidly growing, multi-state organization. This on-site, full-time, Monday through Friday role reports to the Payroll & Benefits Manager and focuses primarily on payroll processing across multiple states, with an emphasis on state-specific wage-and-hour and tax requirements. Benefits responsibilities will initially be limited to backup support, but candidates should understand how benefit deductions, including pre-tax, post-tax, and retirement plan deductions, interact with payroll.

This position is ideal for a self-starter who understands the mechanics behind payroll, not simply how to enter information into a system. The right person is comfortable with complex pay calculations, regular rate of pay, state-specific final pay rules, multi-state payroll taxes, and varying state requirements; takes ownership of researching discrepancies rather than passing them along; and knows when an issue should be escalated.

They should also enjoy working on a collaborative team and adapt well as our processes, systems, and priorities evolve.

Payroll Processing & Administration

• Support end-to-end payroll processing for employees across multiple states.

• Review payroll data for accuracy, including regular hours, overtime, double time, bonuses, commissions, premiums, shift or class-based compensation, deductions, reimbursements, and other earnings, identifying potential errors or compliance concerns before payroll is finalized.

• Calculate regular rate of pay and apply it to overtime and other premium pay calculations.

• Review timekeeping records and work with managers to resolve missing punches, discrepancies, and payroll exceptions.

• Process payroll-related employee changes provided by Human Resources, including compensation changes, transfers, job changes, tax elections, and direct deposit updates.

• Set up and maintain state tax withholding for new hires, relocations, and employees working across state lines.

• Process final checks in accordance with each state’s final pay timing requirements, along with off-cycle payrolls, manual checks, corrections, retroactive adjustments, and other special transactions.

• Research payroll discrepancies and employee concerns through resolution, escalating complex matters or compliance concerns to the Payroll & Benefits Manager when appropriate.

• Respond to employee and manager payroll questions in a timely and professional manner.

• Maintain accurate payroll records and supporting documentation, and assist with routine payroll audits and data validation.

Multi-State Payroll Knowledge

• Maintain and apply working knowledge of payroll and wage-and-hour requirements across the states where we operate, including California, such as:

• Daily and weekly overtime and double time rules

• Regular rate of pay

• Meal and rest period premiums

• Final pay timing and calculation requirements

• Paid sick leave

• Vacation/PTO treatment

• Wage statement requirements

• State-specific payroll deductions and other jurisdictional considerations

• Apply established company policies and compliance guidance accurately during payroll processing.

• Recognize how payroll requirements differ by jurisdiction and maintain a working knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax concepts.

Benefits & Retirement Plan Support

• Understand how benefit elections flow through payroll, including pre-tax and post-tax deductions and their impact on taxable wages.

• Understand basic retirement plan payroll deductions, including employee deferrals and employer contributions.

• Provide backup support for routine benefits administration and benefits-related payroll questions under the direction of the Payroll & Benefits Manager, including during high-volume periods such as open enrollment.

• Access benefit carrier systems to review coverage or enrollment information, escalating discrepancies to the Payroll & Benefits Manager for resolution.

Leave & Employee Lifecycle Knowledge

• Understand common employee leave types and recognize when leaves, status changes, or terminations have payroll implications or require additional review or escalation.

• Work collaboratively with Human Resources to ensure payroll-impacting employee changes are reflected accurately and on time.

• 4+ years of progressive, hands-on payroll experience in a multi-state environment, including at least 2 years of direct California payroll processing.

• Strong working knowledge of state wage-and-hour requirements, with demonstrated…