Payroll Specialist

CERES ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INC • Cameron Park, CA

3d • $30 - $36 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized US Payroll Specialist to join our HR/Finance team. The Payroll Specialist will be responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely processing of weekly payroll for all employees in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The ideal candidate will have experience managing US payroll systems, including California, and a strong understanding of payroll taxes, deductions, and benefits. This position is based in our Cameron Park, CA office and requires on-site attendance five days per week. As part of supporting emergency response and operational requirements, occasional extended work hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays may be required.

Requirements

• H.S. Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 4 years of payroll experience processing multi-state U.S. payroll, including extensive California payroll administration and Puerto Rico payroll requirements, within mid-to-large-sized organizations with both union and non-union employee populations.
• Strong working knowledge of California wage and hour laws, including meal and rest break requirements, overtime regulations, final pay requirements, and prevailing wage considerations
• Proficiency using payroll software (Paycom, ADP, Vista or similar construction ERP)
• Proficient in Word and Excel (ability to create/use pivot tables preferred)
• Strong knowledge of US federal, state, and local payroll tax laws, wage and hour laws, and benefit administration.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Exceptional Customer Service: Ability to serve employees in a professional and timely manner, under strict deadlines.

Nice To Haves

• AA or BS degree in Accounting, HR or related field
• Experience providing payroll support across multiple business entities
• CPP certification
• Bilingual: English and Spanish.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Problem-solving abilities and discretion when handling sensitive information

Responsibilities

• Process weekly payroll for all employees, ensuring accurate calculation of wages, deductions, and benefits.
• Validate and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations, including withholding taxes, garnishments, and other deductions.
• Review and validate employee timecards and attendance records to ensure data accuracy prior to payroll submission.
• Prepare, reconcile, and submit payroll-related reports, including quarterly and annual tax filings, W-2 processing, and year-end reporting requirements.
• Administer employee benefits (health, retirement, etc.) and ensure proper contributions are reflected in payroll.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll, benefits, and tax-related matters in a timely, professional, and customer-focused manner.
• Maintain payroll system integrity, perform system audits, support testing of updates and enhancements, and partner with HR and Finance on process improvements.
• Reconcile payroll registers, tax liabilities, benefits deductions, and general ledger interfaces; support internal and external payroll audits.
• Protect sensitive employee payroll information and uphold all data privacy and security requirements.

Benefits

• Comprehensive package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off and travel opportunities
• Eligible for annual performance bonus

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED