Payroll Clerk

High Light Electric•Colton, CA

4d•$20 - $30

About The Position

The Payroll Clerk maintains accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations, with a particular focus on Certified Payroll, California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) requirements, and union-related payroll compliance. The position prepares and uploads Certified Payroll Reports (CPRs), validates employee classifications and pay rates, reconciles timecards, maintains payroll records, and supports compliance with applicable wage and hour regulations. Working with Human Resources, Finance, Field Operations, and other internal teams, the Payroll Clerk ensures payroll information is accurate, properly documented, and ready for audits or compliance reviews. The role operates in a structured, deadline-driven, high-volume environment and requires strong organization, accuracy, consistency, confidentiality, professionalism, and the ability to manage recurring deadlines and employee-related requests. The work contributes to accurate employee compensation, regulatory compliance, and organizational trust.

Requirements

Experience with Certified Payroll requirements and documentation, including the ability to prepare, maintain, and submit accurate Certified Payroll Reports (CPRs).
Knowledge of payroll systems, reporting tools, and applicable compliance requirements, including California DIR and union-related payroll processes.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
Ability to reconcile payroll records, identify discrepancies, and produce accurate, audit-ready reports.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy when working with numbers, payroll records, and employee information.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to collaborate across departments.
Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and ability to learn new processes quickly.
Ability to work independently, demonstrate initiative, and follow through on assigned responsibilities.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive information.
Four-year degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent knowledge gained through formal education, specialized training, or additional job experience.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of California payroll experience, particularly involving payroll compliance, reporting, and field collaboration.
Experience with California Prevailing Wage requirements, Certified Payroll reporting, and union payroll documentation.
Practical knowledge of California and other applicable state labor laws and federal wage regulations.
Bilingual communication skills in English and Spanish.
Experience using payroll or project management systems such as Vista, Procore, or equivalent tools.

Responsibilities

Prepare and upload Certified Payroll Reports (CPRs) in compliance with DIR and union rules, and maintain supporting documentation for audits and internal validation.
Validate employee job classifications and collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) by employee and project, coordinating responses with Compliance and Management.
Process salary adjustments, garnishments, and retroactive payments accurately and on time, aligning rates with union updates and HR guidelines.
Monitor benefits, fringe amounts, and payment dates, supporting internal audits and preventative corrections.
Reconcile timecards and work records weekly using systems such as Vista and Procore, verifying overtime and special classifications.
Resolve record anomalies with Office and Projects teams and keep union and administrative documentation up to date.
Prepare union and government reports, including fringe summaries, and maintain systems and records in audit-ready condition.
Assist with compliance with California Prevailing Wage requirements as applicable.
Access time and attendance and payroll records, and compile requested reports.
Use and maintain systems, procedures, and policies for payroll, HR, and accounting functions to ensure adherence to company guidelines.
Track and report functional metrics to reduce waste and improve payroll effectiveness.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to support payroll accuracy, integrity, and responsiveness.
Maintain accurate records relating to payroll, expense reimbursements, and benefits.
Recommend and enforce policies and procedures for payroll activities.
Create monthly reports for management as needed.
Assist with or run special projects as directed by the Office Manager and/or Director of HR, and assist with payroll or HR projects and activities as needed and subject to availability.
Perform other duties and tasks as assigned.