Payroll Specialist

Location(s):
Encinitas / San Diego

Practice/Department:
Finance

Internal

Title:

Payroll Specialist

Work Environment:
Hybrid

Compensation: $36-$38 hourly*

Dudek’s journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California’s water and wastewater agencies. Today, we are a 100% employee‑owned firm supporting clients nationwide and delivering projects that improve and protect the built and natural environments of communities throughout the United States. Our work has been recognized by leading industry organizations, and we’ve been honored with multiple national Top Workplace Awards.

Our employee‑owners are unified by a singular commitment to supporting projects that address key societal issues, such as the transition to renewable energy, infrastructure hardening and repair, environmental protection, and community resilience. Learn more about our award‑winning culture, the benefits and perks of being a Dudekian, and the projects you will have the opportunity to shape.

As an employee‑owner, you embrace accountability, work safely, and collaborate 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.

Dudek is seeking a detail‑oriented and organized Payroll Specialist to support accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing across multiple states. This role is ideal for someone who brings strong payroll knowledge and a hands‑on understanding of day‑to‑day processes, including weighted average overtime calculations, wait time rules, payment workflows, and check life cycles.

You’ll work closely with our accounting, benefits, and HR teams to ensure seamless payroll operations and excellent service to our employees. We’re looking for someone who sees payroll as a long‑term career path and takes pride in getting the details right while contributing to a collaborative, people‑focused team.

This is a hybrid position based out of our Encinitas headquarters office.

• Payroll Processing: Oversee and execute end‑to‑end payroll processing for 900+ employees accurately and on time. Review and verify payroll data for completeness and accuracy. Ensure timecards are submitted prior to payroll processing. Process payroll adjustments, including salary changes, bonuses, commissions, and deductions. Handle complex payroll issues and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Payroll Compliance: Responsible for reviewing and ensuring accurate and timely W2 issuance and filings. Review stale dated payroll checks, as needed. Reconcile payroll‑related accounts.
• Taxation and Reporting: Understanding and review of payroll taxes, garnishments, and other with holdings for accuracy, and government compliance then prepares and remits for payment. Responsible for payroll tax‑related activities, including accurate calculation and submission of payroll taxes, and reconciliation of tax discrepancies.
• Audit and Documentation: Prepare for and assist with payroll, audits, ensuring all necessary documentation and records are readily available and accurate. Maintains thorough documentation of all support for all filings.
• Communication: Work closely with the HR department to ensure accurate employee data. Address employee payroll inquiries and resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Continuous Improvement: Oversee and update Dayforce Ceridian payroll module. Stay current with payroll and benefit regulations, industry best practices, technological advancements to recommend and implement process improvements.

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in payroll processing.
• Knowledge of payroll laws, regulations, and compliance.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to manage confidential information.
• Thorough understanding of federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations.
• Ability to work independently.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have active personal automobile liability insurance by the first day of…