Payroll Specialist

Senior Payroll Specialist – Financial OperationsSan Francisco, CA or Los Angeles, CAAbout the RoleJoin a team where precision meets impact. As a Senior Payroll Specialist, you will play a critical role in ensuring seamless payroll operations across assigned pay cycles—from routine processing to off-cycle runs. This position serves as a key resource for delivering accurate, timely payroll while maintaining compliance across tax regulations, PTO, and leave administration.Beyond execution, you will contribute to enhancing payroll operations by troubleshooting issues, supporting team members, and driving process improvements that increase efficiency and service quality. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented, solutions-driven professional who takes pride in delivering accuracy and consistency.Key ResponsibilitiesVerify the accuracy and reasonableness of payroll data from multiple systems and update payroll databases for non-interface changesEnsure all tax documentation is properly completed, maintained, and reflected in payroll systemsMaintain accurate wage reporting and tax withholding based on employee status, location, and compensation structureApply comprehensive knowledge of payroll policies, pay group rules, and wage and hour regulations to ensure compliant processingProcess regular and off-cycle payrolls, including auditing, reporting, and filings with a high degree of accuracyAdminister garnishments end-to-end, including setup, calculations, employee communication, and disbursementsManage leave of absence tracking and calculations, ensuring accurate pay treatmentProcess non-cash benefits, overtime, expenses, and deductions in compliance with policies and regulationsResearch, reconcile, and support payroll tax compliance, including multi-jurisdictional scenariosProvide responsive and confidential support on payroll, tax, and leave-related inquiriesQualificationsBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)6+ years of multi-state and/or global payroll experienceStrong knowledge of payroll regulations and wage and hour lawsExperience with multi-state and remote workforce tax reporting; expatriate experience is a plusCPP certification preferredExperience with payroll systems such as Workday, WorkForce Software, or DayforceWorking knowledge of data privacy regulationsStrong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skillsHighly organized with the ability to manage multiple prioritiesCompensationSan Francisco, CA: $104,000 – $145,000Los Angeles, CA: $99,000 – $138,000BenefitsMedical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverageParental leave and family support benefitsWellness programs and mental health resourcesPaid holidays and PTOProfessional development and education reimbursementRetirement contributions and profit-sharing