Senior Payroll Specialist

Work location:

100% in office, Lake Forest, CA

Job Summary:

The Senior Payroll Specialist is responsible for overseeing and executing end-to-end payroll operations, ensuring accurate and timely processing of employee compensation using ADP Workforce Now. This role requires a strong understanding of payroll systems, compliance regulations, and internal controls. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, and experienced in managing complex payroll functions in a fast-paced environment.

• Administer, maintain, and optimize payroll processing systems, with primary responsibility for ADP Workforce Now
• Process payroll transactions accurately and on schedule, including salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions
• Manage payroll updates such as new hires, terminations, and compensation changes
• Review and audit payroll data to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance
• Prepare and maintain detailed payroll records, reports, and supporting documentation
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws and regulations
• Process wage garnishments, levies, and other involuntary deductions in accordance with legal requirements
• File payroll tax reports and voluntary deduction reports accurately and on time
• Prepare journal entries and support accounting transactions related to payroll
• Generate and analyze payroll reports, including quarterly reports for management
• Calculate wages, including overtime, bonuses, and adjustments
• Process employee requests such as paycheck advances and final pay for terminations
• Support internal and external audits by providing required payroll records and documentation
• Document, review, and update payroll procedures to improve efficiency and accuracy
• Identify opportunities for system and process improvements within ADP Workforce Now and payroll operations
• Perform additional duties as assigned

• Extensive knowledge of payroll processing, including payroll taxes, reconciliations, and internal controls
• Hands-on experience with ADP Workforce Now required
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field required
• 5–8 years of progressive payroll experience, preferably in a high-volume environment
• Experience processing multi-state payroll and handling complex payroll scenarios preferred