SENIOR PAYROLL SPECIALIST

Wine Road Vintners•Temecula, CA

8d•$36 - $41

About The Position

The Senior Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely processing of payroll for approximately 260 employees across multiple entities in a hospitality and wine enterprise environment. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local wage and hour laws, maintains payroll and employee records, administers benefits and deductions reporting, and serves as the primary point of contact for payroll-related questions. The position requires strong analytical skills, confidentiality, and the ability to work collaboratively with HR, accounting, and operations teams.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of payroll processes including preparation, balancing, and internal controls.
Familiarity with federal, state, and California wage and hour laws.
High attention to detail, accuracy, and confidentiality.
Excellent organizational and time management skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite with advanced Excel skills.
Proficient with payroll/HRIS systems (ADP is a plus).
Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments.
Associate’s or bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, HR, or related field preferred; equivalent work experience accepted.
Minimum 5-8 years of payroll processing experience, preferably in hospitality, winery, or multi-entity environments.

Nice To Haves

FPC or CPP certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare and process bi-weekly payroll for ~260 employees (20% salaried, 80% hourly).
Manage multi-entity payroll runs, ensuring accuracy of hours, tips, commissions, and salaried pay.
Review and input timecards, PTO, overtime, and shift differentials.
Reconcile payroll registers and resolve discrepancies prior to submission.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws (California focus).
Administer and report garnishments, deductions, and benefit contributions.
Maintain accurate payroll records and employee information in HRIS/payroll systems.
Generate reports for management, accounting, and external agencies as needed.
Partner with HR on new hires, terminations, and changes in employment status.
Support audits and provide payroll documentation as needed.
Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll inquiries, providing timely and accurate communication.
Collaborate with HR and accounting teams to ensure consistency and accuracy of data.
Assist with benefit reconciliations, year-end reporting, and W-2 distribution.
Identify and recommend updates to payroll processes, systems, and procedures.
Performs other duties as assigned by your Manager.