Payroll Consultant � California Compliance

LaserAway•Los Angeles, CA

1d•Remote

About The Position

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Payroll Consultant California Compliance to support complex payroll operations with a strong focus on California wage and hour compliance. This contract role will play a critical part in owning semi-monthly payroll calculations, commission processing, and supplemental earnings, while operating within a largely manual environment that requires strong analytical rigor and precision. This individual will serve as a subject matter expert in California regulatory pay requirements, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and operational integrity across payroll and timekeeping processes. In addition to execution, this role will help establish policies, procedures, and SOX-aligned controls to strengthen long-term scalability and compliance.

Requirements

57+ years of payroll experience, with deep expertise in California wage & hour laws
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) required
Proven experience managing payroll with complex commission structures
Strong experience with manual payroll calculations and operating in non-automated environments
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, formulas, data analysis)
Experience with ADP Workforce Now and UKG (or similar timekeeping systems)
Strong understanding of SOX compliance and internal controls
Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and confidentiality
Ability to navigate ambiguity and build processes in a fast-paced environment

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting high-growth, multi-location organizations
Background in audit support and payroll process design
Experience improving or automating manual payroll workflow

Responsibilities

Payroll Processing & Calculations
Own and execute California regular rate of pay calculations, including overtime, premiums, and blended rates
Process semi-monthly payroll, including manual calculations for commissions and complex earnings
Manage and calculate supplemental earnings, including bonuses, incentives, and gift cards
Perform termination pay and retroactive pay calculations in compliance with California regulations
Support and execute off-cycle payroll runs as needed
Timekeeping & Data Integrity
Oversee accurate timekeeping data management, including review and correction of timecard discrepancies
Partner with operations and HR to ensure accurate tracking of hours worked, overtime, and leave
Validate time and attendance data from systems such as UKG (or similar) prior to payroll processing
Compliance & Risk Management
Ensure compliance with California wage & hour laws, including meal/rest break premiums and regular rate calculations
Develop and implement payroll policies, procedures, and documentation to mitigate risk
Support the build-out of SOX-compliant controls and audit-ready processes within payroll operations
Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations
Analysis & Reporting
Conduct payroll and compensation analysis, including rate of pay validation and earnings audits
Investigate discrepancies and resolve complex payroll issues with a root-cause approach
Build and maintain Excel-based models and reports to support payroll accuracy and insights
Partner with Finance on general ledger reconciliation and audit support
Cross-Functional Support
Collaborate closely with HR, Finance, and Operations to ensure alignment across payroll inputs and outputs
Serve as a subject matter expert for payroll-related inquiries and escalations
Support system optimization and process improvements across ADP and timekeeping platforms