Senior Payroll Specialist

Description

We are looking for an experienced Senior Payroll Specialist to join our clients team in Walnut Creek, California. In this hybrid role, you will play a key part in overseeing payroll operations, ensuring compliance with multi-state tax and labor laws, and driving process improvements. This is a Contract to permanent position offering a great opportunity to lead initiatives, mentor staff, and collaborate cross-functionally within a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities:

- Oversee and process bi-weekly payroll for a workforce of over 2,000 employees.

- Handle payroll transactions such as new hires, salary adjustments, overtime, sick pay, and leave-of-absence calculations with precision.

- Manage complex payroll deductions, including tax levies, garnishments, and child support payments.

- Calculate and approve termination paychecks, as well as other out-of-cycle payroll checks.

- Conduct ongoing reviews of payroll policies, procedures, and controls to ensure efficiency and compliance.

- Collaborate with payroll providers to address discrepancies in quarterly and annual tax filings.

- Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local payroll regulations and set up appropriate local tax configurations.

- Provide leadership and guidance to a team of three payroll staff members, fostering growth and collaboration.

- Develop payroll reports, reconcile discrepancies, and assist with audits as needed.

- Partner with Human Resources and Benefits teams to align payroll processes with organizational goals.

Requirements

- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, or equivalent detail oriented experience.

- Proficiency in full-cycle payroll processing and multi-state payroll operations.

- Familiarity with payroll systems such as ADP Workforce Now, with advanced Excel skills.

- Strong communication and organizational abilities to effectively manage tasks and collaborate with teams.

- Certified Payroll detail oriented (CPP) certification is preferred.

- Experience with payroll system audits and troubleshooting discrepancies.

Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.

Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app ()  and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.

All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit  for more information.

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