HR & Payroll Specialist - La Mirada, CA

MAKITA•La Mirada, CA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The HR & Payroll Specialist is responsible for administering payroll accurately and on time while supporting core human resources functions, including employee records management, benefits administration, compliance, and employee support. This role ensures payroll data integrity, proper general ledger postings, and adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws, and provides a high level of service to employees and managers.

Requirements

Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
Strong analytical and reconciliation skills
Confidentiality and integrity
Problem-solving and analytical thinking
Strong communication and customer service oriented
Ability to manage deadlines and multiple priorities
Team-oriented individual with a collaborative mindset
3 + years of experience in full-cycle payroll processing and human resources administration
Knowledge of payroll laws and HR compliance requirements
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (reconciliations, reporting, audits)
Working knowledge of payroll tax regulations and HR compliance requirements

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field
Paycom experience is highly preferred
Proficiency with HRIS/payroll system

Responsibilities

Process bi‑weekly and semi‑monthly payroll accurately and on schedule
Maintain payroll records, including wages, deductions, bonuses, and garnishments
Reconcile payroll reports to the general ledger (G/L) and coordinate with Finance on discrepancies
Ensure compliance with wage and hour laws (FLSA, state regulations)
Process payroll uploads, journal entries, and accruals for wages, vacation, bonuses, and benefits
Ensure proper payroll coding, cost centers, and allocation to G/L accounts
Process new hires, terminations, pay changes, vacation/sick accruals, and year‑end reporting (W‑2s, audits)
Respond to payroll‑related inquiries and resolve discrepancies
Maintain employee personnel files and HRIS data accuracy
Support onboarding and offboarding processes
Administer employee benefits programs (medical, dental, vision, retirement, leaves of absence) and payroll deductions
Serve as a point of contact for employee questions regarding payroll, benefits, and HR policies
Assist with open enrollment and benefits reconciliations
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws (e.g., FMLA, CFRA, ACA, COBRA)
Prepare HR and payroll reports for management and auditors
Support internal and external audits as needed
Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive employee information and payroll information
Assist with HR projects and initiatives (policy updates, employee communications, training tracking)
Support performance review and employee lifecycle processes
Collaborate with finance, benefits brokers, and payroll vendors

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance options after 30 days of employment
Flexible spending accounts (FSA) & Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
Employee assistance program (EAP) for mental health and well-being
Paid subscription to Headspace and 5 other members of your choice
Competitive pay & performance-based incentives
401(k) retirement plan with company match
Basic Term Life insurance is 100% company paid
Long-term Disability Coverage 100% company paid
Disability Coverage Voluntary Coverage: Critical illness, accidental, hospital indemnity, whole life, and supplemental life plans.
Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays)
Employee discounts on Makita tools and accessories
Tuition reimbursement
Internal promotion opportunities