Payroll Clerk 2

JOB SUMMARY:  

The Payroll Clerk II performs intermediate-level payroll processing and administrative support activities to ensure accurate and timely payment of employee wages and compliance with company policies and applicable federal, state, and local regulations. The role reviews payroll transactions, audits payroll data, resolves routine payroll discrepancies, maintains payroll records, and supports employees and managers with payroll-related inquiries.

NOTE: This role requires on-site presence at our Seal Beach, CA office.

Key Responsibilities:

Payroll Processing

• Enter, review, and audit payroll data including hires, terminations, pay changes, deductions, garnishments, leave of absence transactions, and timekeeping records.
• Process payroll transactions in accordance with established payroll schedules and procedures.
• Review payroll reports for accuracy and identify discrepancies prior to payroll submission.
• Validate employee hours, overtime, shift differentials, premium pay, and paid leave entries.
• Assist with off-cycle payrolls, correction runs, and manual check requests.

Employee Support

• Respond to employee inquiries regarding paychecks, taxes, deductions, direct deposit, timekeeping, and payroll procedures.
• Research and resolve routine payroll issues while maintaining confidentiality of employee information.
• Provide guidance on payroll forms and required documentation.

Compliance and Recordkeeping

• Maintain payroll records, files, and supporting documentation in compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Assist with wage garnishments, tax levies, child support orders, and other payroll deductions.
• Support preparation and distribution of payroll-related tax documents and year-end reporting activities.
• Ensure payroll practices comply with federal, state, and local wage and hour requirements.

Reporting and Auditing

• Generate standard payroll reports and reconcile payroll-related data.
• Conduct routine audits of payroll transactions and employee records.
• Assist with internal audits and payroll documentation requests.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify payroll processing issues and recommend process improvements.
• Participate in system testing, payroll projects, and process enhancement initiatives as assigned.
• Cross-train with other payroll team members as needed to maintain operational continuity.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 2-4 years of payroll, accounting, finance, HR administration, or related experience.
• Experience processing multi-state payroll preferred.
• Experience using ADP payroll and timekeeping systems preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of payroll principles, wage and hour regulations, and payroll recordkeeping practices.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including sorting, filtering, formulas, and reconciliations.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Ability to remain seated and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 15 pounds.
• Ability to perform repetitive keyboard and data entry tasks.
• Office environment with regular use of computer systems, telephone, and office equipment.
• May require additional hours during payroll processing periods, year-end activities, or audits.
• Requires frequent use of computers, video conferencing platforms, and digital collaboration tools.

CA Compensation Range 24.66 - 31.6 USD