Payroll Specialist

The Salvation Army Southern California•San Francisco, CA

16d•Onsite

About The Position

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for all divisional employees across multiple Corps, programs, and grant-funded operations. This position ensures compliance with federal, state (California), and organizational payroll regulations, while maintaining the integrity of payroll data within UKG and related systems. Working under the direction of the Divisional Controller, the Payroll Specialist collaborates closely with Human Resources, Finance, and program leadership to ensure proper employee set up, earnings allocations, funding codes, and compliance with Salvation Army policies and procedures. This role plays a critical part in supporting payroll accuracy, audit readiness, and financial accountability across the Division.

Requirements

Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required
Minimum of 2–4 years of payroll processing experience, preferably in a nonprofit or multi-site organization required
Experience processing payroll for 200+ employees required (experience with ~400 employees ideal)
Knowledge of California wage and hour laws, payroll tax regulations, and compliance requirements
Proficient in Microsoft Office and Treasury Management Systems
Knowledge of financial regulations and compliance requirements

Nice To Haves

Experience with payroll systems such as UKG (or similar HRIS/payroll systems) preferred
Experience working with grant-funded programs and multi-departmental allocations is a plus
Prior experience working in a nonprofit or faith-based organization preferred

Responsibilities

Process bi-weekly payroll for all divisional employees, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with applicable laws and organizational policies
Review and audit timesheets, earnings codes, and pay adjustments for accuracy, including overtime, holiday pay, retro pay.
Coordinate with HR on new hires, terminations, status changes, and employee data updates to ensure proper payroll processing
Maintain accurate payroll records, including employee earnings, deductions, benefits, and tax withholdings
Ensure proper allocation of payroll expenses across Corps, programs, and grant funding sources in accordance with funding requirements
Process manual checks, off-cycle payrolls, and retroactive adjustments as needed
Assist with benefits deductions, including health premiums, FSA, retirement contributions (403b), and other voluntary deductions
Reconcile payroll reports and general ledger postings in coordination with the Finance Department
Support month-end and year-end payroll processes, including W-2 preparation and reporting
Ensure compliance with federal, state (California), and local wage and hour laws, including minimum wage requirements and exempt/non-exempt classifications
Respond to employee and management payroll inquiries in a timely and professional manner
Maintain confidentiality of all employee payroll and personal information
Assist with internal and external audits by providing payroll documentation and reports
Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, accuracy, and efficiency
Support implementation and maintenance of payroll systems (e.g., UKG, TSAMM integration)
Perform other duties as assigned in support of divisional operations