Senior Payroll Specialist

Title: Senior Payroll SpecialistWork Schedule: Full-timeEmployment Type: Permanent / Direct-HireJob Location Type: Hybrid (1-2 days onsite)Senior Payroll Specialist professionals in the San Francisco Bay Area will find a compelling opportunity with this highly respected and established organization. This is a great option for someone who enjoys owning the full payroll lifecycle, navigating complex multi-state environments, and partnering closely with finance and HR teams. If you are a detail-driven Payroll Administrator or Payroll Specialist who takes pride in accuracy and continuous improvement, this is a chance to step into a visible and valued function.As a Senior Payroll Specialist, you will support a professional services environment with approximately 200 employees, where payroll accuracy and compliance are central to business operations. The organization operates in a structured, compliance-driven industry that requires expertise in payroll accounting, certified payroll reporting, and multi-state taxation. This individual reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer and collaborates closely with accounting, HR, and operations leadership. You will serve as a key point of contact for payroll administration while helping elevate processes and best practices across the team, with exposure to Payroll Accounting workflows.The San Francisco Bay Area offers a strong blend of economic opportunity and lifestyle appeal. Residents enjoy access to leading employers across finance, technology, and professional services, along with vibrant dining, outdoor recreation, and cultural experiences. From coastal escapes and hiking trails to world-class entertainment and sports, there is no shortage of ways to stay active and engaged. The area also provides access to top-tier educational institutions and a diverse, innovative community that continues to attract top talent.Primary ResponsibilitiesLead end-to-end payroll processing across bi-weekly and off-cycle runs, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and full complianceMaintain and audit payroll data across systems such as ADP Workforce Now, validating changes related to compensation, tax withholdings, and employee statusOversee multi-state payroll administration, including tracking regulatory changes and implementing federal, state, and local tax updatesPrepare and manage Certified Payroll reporting requirements, including prevailing wage and public works complianceAdminister garnishments, benefits deductions, bonuses, and non-cash compensation in alignment with payroll accounting standardsPartner with HR to support onboarding, terminations, and employee record maintenance, including PTO tracking and leave of absence calculationsReconcile payroll data, support audits, and ensure documentation meets compliance and retention standardsServe as a trusted resource for employees by addressing payroll, tax, and benefits-related inquiries with professionalism and confidentialityIdentify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and controls that enhance payroll administration efficiency and accuracyCollaborate with finance leadership on reporting, analytics, and payroll-related insights that support broader business decisionsPreferred Experience and QualificationsExperience as a Payroll Specialist, Payroll Administrator, or Payroll Coordinator managing multi-state environments with increasing complexityCertified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation or progress toward certification, with strong grasp of payroll accounting and complianceBackground supporting professional services or similarly regulated industries, with exposure to W-2 and K-1 payroll structuresProficiency in ADP Workforce Now, along with strong spreadsheet and data analysis skillsKnowledge of federal, state, and local wage and hour laws with proven ability to apply updates in real timeAbility to balance accuracy with efficiency while managing multiple priorities and deadlinesStrong communication skills and a collaborative approach when working with HR, finance, and leadership teamsA mindset focused on continuous improvement, allowing you to grow your expertise and make a measurable impactBenefits and CompensationCompetitive compensation with bonus eligibility tied to performanceComprehensive medical coverage with a significant portion of premiums coveredGenerous paid time off program designed to support work-life balanceHybrid work flexibility with a structured in-office collaboration scheduleOpportunity to gain exposure to executive leadership, including direct interaction with the CFOSupportive environment that values compliance, precision, and professional development within payroll administration and accountingEqual Opportunity Employer/Veterans/DisabledMilitary connected talent encouraged to applyTo read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:The California Fair Chance ActLos Angeles City Fair Chance OrdinanceLos Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for EmployersSan Francisco Fair Chance OrdinanceMassachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Created: 2026-05-14