Payroll Coordinator

Our client is seeking a detail-oriented temporary Payroll Coordinator to support payroll operations and ensure the accurate and timely processing of employee payroll. This role is responsible for performing a broad range of professional, technical, and administrative payroll functions, maintaining payroll records, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, and providing exceptional customer service to employees and internal departments.

The ideal candidate has strong payroll processing experience, excellent analytical skills, and a thorough understanding of payroll laws, accounting principles, and employee benefits administration.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Process payroll for all employees, including reviewing, auditing, and verifying timecards for accuracy and compliance.

• Maintain payroll records and process payroll transactions including:

  • New hires

  • Overtime

  • Salary adjustments

  • Retroactive pay

  • Premium and incentive pay

  • Benefit deductions

  • Garnishments

  • Final paychecks

  • Manual checks, voids, and payroll reversals

• Prepare, reconcile, and balance payroll reports, liability accounts, tax filings, and payroll-related general ledger entries.

• Generate monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll reports, including filings for the IRS, EDD, Franchise Tax Board, PERS, deferred compensation, and other regulatory agencies.

• Monitor employee leave accruals and assist with payroll-related budget projections and compensation reporting.

• Maintain and administer the payroll and electronic timekeeping systems, troubleshoot issues, perform system testing, and coordinate updates with IT.

• Ensure payroll processes comply with federal, state, and local laws, labor agreements, and organizational policies.

• Interpret and apply payroll regulations including FLSA, CFRA, FMLA, PERS, Internal Revenue Code Section 125, Workers' Compensation, and collective bargaining agreements.

• Review and process employee reimbursement requests in accordance with applicable guidelines.

• Research and resolve payroll discrepancies and employee inquiries while maintaining strict confidentiality.

• Prepare confidential payroll reports for management related to salaries, leave balances, labor negotiations, and compensation.

• Maintain accurate payroll files and accounting records.

• Provide exceptional customer service and collaborate effectively with Human Resources, Finance, and other departments.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Knowledge

• Payroll processing, accounting principles, and payroll recordkeeping

• Federal, state, and local payroll laws and tax regulations

• Payroll auditing and reconciliation procedures

• Employee benefits administration as it relates to payroll

• General ledger and payroll liability account reconciliation

• Modern payroll systems and electronic timekeeping software

• Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel

• Business writing, report preparation, and office procedures

Skills & Abilities

• Process payroll accurately and efficiently while meeting strict deadlines

• Interpret and apply payroll laws, regulations, policies, and labor agreements

• Maintain confidential payroll and employee information

• Analyze and reconcile payroll discrepancies

• Perform detailed mathematical and financial calculations

• Prioritize multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment

• Communicate professionally with employees and management

• Build positive working relationships across departments

• Exercise sound judgment, initiative, and attention to detail

Experience

• Experience processing payroll for a public agency, municipality, or government organization

• Familiarity with PERS reporting, labor agreements, and California payroll regulations

• Experience with payroll and financial management systems

Full-time

Pay = $35-40/hr (DOE)