Payroll Specialist III

Position Overview

As an employee‑owner you embrace accountability, working safely, and collaboration while thinking resourcefully and independently.

Like all Dudekians, you are curious and solution‑oriented, with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and approach challenges with a spirit of innovation.

Location(s): Encinitas / San Diego

Practice/Department: Finance

Work Environment: On‑site* (first 90 days, then hybrid eligibility evaluated)

• Payroll Processing: Oversee and execute end‑to‑end payroll processing for 900+ employees accurately and by deadline. Efficiently review and validate payroll data for completeness and accuracy. Ensure timecards are compliant and submitted by the employees prior to payment processing. Process payroll adjustments, missed payments, salary changes, bonuses, gift cards, and other payments. Manage complex payroll issues and resolve discrepancies thoroughly and promptly.
• Payroll Compliance: Engage current payroll tax and mandates in all facets of the payroll payment process, impounds, reporting, distribution and filings. Detail processing of voids, reissues, and stop payments to ensure the proper impact on the tax documents. Reconcile, enter, and approve payroll entries, labor detail, and checks to the general ledger in correlation to the monthly accounting schedule.
• Taxation and Reporting: Understand and review the federal and multiple state payroll tax requirements and mandates. Maintain timely reviews, reconciliations, escalations, and payment processing to various tax agencies. Ensure tax records are updated and organized within the payroll digital library and designated portals. Process registration forms, SUI rate updates, POAs and agency notices. Review quarterly and annual filings for any discrepancies.
  
  Apply the proper payroll taxation in accordance with IRS regulations for various payment types.
• Audits and Documentation: Prepare for and assist leadership with payroll audits, such as Benefit, Labor Detail, Workers' Comp and 401k annual audits. Ensure requested documentation and records are readily available and managed. Maintain thorough documentation associated with all collaborations with third‑party administrators and internal departments. Cooperate with various audits by consolidating data requested timely to meet periodic, quarterly, and annual audit deadlines.
• Communication: Interaction with outside entities, government agencies, third‑party administrators, and insurance companies is required for research, reporting or processing. Work as the liaison between payroll and other internal departments to ensure employee data remains in‑sync between all business functional systems. Research masterfile or labor discrepancies to avoid reporting issues.
• Continuous Improvement: Perform Dayforce Ceridian payroll module upgrade testing and audits. Stay current with payroll and benefit regulations, industry best practices, technological advancements to recommend and implement process improvements. Adapt to new department and firmwide systems as provided for business operations and engage in routine training. Participate in special projects including implementation of new time and attendance system.

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience processing full‑cycle, multi‑state payroll for 500+ employees, including tax filings, reconciliations, and general ledger integration.
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience managing federal and multi‑state payroll tax compliance, quarterly and annual filings, audits, and agency communications.
• 3+ years of payroll tax experience.
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws, compliance, and operations.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and attention‑to‑detail skills.
• Ability to manage confidential information.
• Ability to work independently.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by the first day of employment.

• 3 years Experience with Dayforce.
• Experience with Deltek VantagePoint or similar systems.
• Professional services industry experience.
• Prevailing Wage…