Payroll Specialist

Description We are looking for a Payroll Specialist to join our team in Santa Barbara, California on a contract basis with the potential for a permanent role. This position will manage payroll operations for a large employee population across multiple states, ensuring accurate and timely processing while maintaining compliance with applicable regulations. The ideal candidate brings strong hands-on experience with end-to-end payroll administration and is comfortable working with systems such as ADP Workforce Now and Paylocity.

Responsibilities:

• Manage complete payroll processing from time collection through final distribution for a workforce of more than 500 employees.

• Review employee timesheets for accuracy, resolve discrepancies, and ensure payroll data is approved within established deadlines.

• Administer multi-state payroll activities while applying appropriate wage and hour rules, tax requirements, and other regulatory standards.

• Maintain payroll records, deductions, garnishments, and related updates in payroll systems with a high level of accuracy.

• Use ADP Workforce Now, Paylocity, and other payroll applications to process recurring bi-monthly payroll cycles efficiently.

• Calculate earnings, adjustments, taxes, and withholdings and verify that all payroll transactions are properly recorded.

• Respond to payroll-related questions from employees and internal partners with clear, timely, and effective communication.

• Support payroll-related system or process updates as needed while helping maintain continuity and compliance in daily operations. Requirements • Proven experience handling full cycle payroll for a large employee population, including organizations with over 500 employees.

• Demonstrated knowledge of multi-state payroll administration, payroll tax practices, and applicable payroll laws.

• Hands-on proficiency with ADP Workforce Now, Paylocity, and other payroll software platforms.

• Strong ability to review timesheets, identify errors, and process payroll with a high degree of accuracy.

• Experience managing bi-monthly payroll schedules and meeting strict processing deadlines.

• Solid understanding of payroll functions such as deductions, adjustments, tax withholdings, and record maintenance.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage confidential information responsibly.

Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.

Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app) and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.

All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.

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