Payroll Specialist

Los Angeles, CA, USA (hybrid preferred, remote can be considered)

Pay Range: $75,000 - $80,000 Exempt Position

Daily Look is seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist with multi‑jurisdictional experience.

• Experience processing multi-state U.S. payroll
• 2 years of payroll experience
• Strong ADP experience
• Experience with payroll tax administration, W-2 validation, and year-end processing
• Strong Excel skills, including data preparation for payroll uploads
• Experience processing wage garnishments
• Knowledge of payroll audits, controls, and compliance requirements
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and follow-through
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion
• Ability to work cross‑functionally and communicate effectively with managers, employees, and external partners.
• Exemplary interpersonal communication skills both verbal and written
• Highly motivated, collaborative
• Experience in a Startup or Retail industry is an extra plus!
• An intellectually curious team player with a no‑compromises approach to work quality, attention to detail, organization, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast‑paced environment
• Self‑motivated, detail‑oriented, hands‑on go‑getter with the ability to build and overhaul processes, take initiative, work independently and proactively, multi‑task, and remain flexible with changing priorities
• "I’ll find a way!" mindset where you can leverage your autonomy within your role to think outside the box
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across global teams by adapting to diverse cultural norms, respecting time zone differences, and leveraging digital collaboration tools to maintain alignment and productivity
• Skilled in building trust and fostering inclusive communication styles that support clarity, empathy, and shared goals in international work environments

• Reports to the Director of Payroll.
• The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the timely and accurate processing of payroll, maintenance of employee payroll records, payroll tax administration, reporting, audits, and support for payroll‑related compliance and system updates. This role serves as a subject‑matter expert on payroll operations and partners cross‑functionally with HR, Finance, Tax, Legal, IT, Treasury, Accounts Payable, Compensation, Internal Audit, and external vendors such as ADP and Absence Plus.
• Ensure timely and accurate gross‑to‑net pay for employees in compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws for both on‑cycle and off‑cycle payrolls.
• Process biweekly and weekly payrolls according to established deadlines.
• Advance time cycles in ADP following payroll approval.
• Prepare inbound Excel files for upload into ADP.
• Process additional payments including commissions, stipends, reimbursements, bonuses, penalty pay, and termination payouts as applicable.
• Accelerate payroll processing when required and coordinate with ADP on early payroll timelines.
• Payroll Compliance & Audit
• Maintain strong working knowledge of U.S. payroll laws and regulations.
• Conduct payroll audits to ensure payroll processing is accurate, complete, and compliant.
• Identify irregularities, variances, and patterns against audit and control criteria and collaborate on corrective solutions.
• Own audits related to payment information and employee records in ADP.
• Execute payroll processes in compliance with federal, state and local laws, SOX, anti‑corruption, and operational controls, including payment accuracy, audit completeness, and approval requirements.
• Validate W-2s for accuracy in ADP.
• Process payroll tax setups, amendments, and W-2
  
  Cs in ADP.
• Partner with ADP to respond to payroll tax inquiries from federal, state, and local agencies.
• Manage quarter‑end and year‑end payroll processing activities with ADP.
• Process employee terminations, including final pay and system updates.
• Process new hires, including verification of payroll profile setup and completion of I-9 Section 2 requirements.
• Assist with leaves of absence and employment status changes in ADP.
• Assist with maintaining trackers and documentation related to new hires, terminations, leaves of absence,…