Payroll Specialist

$ 32 - $ 37 / Hour
location_onSan diego, California

Accounting & Finance

acuteContract to hire

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LHH is partnering with a stable and growing organization to identify a Payroll Specialist to support end‑to‑end payroll processing for a workforce of 200+ employees. This role is ideal for a payroll professional who values accuracy, compliance, and ownership, and who enjoys being a trusted resource for managers and employees alike.

 

The Role

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for processing timely and accurate payroll while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This role works closely with Human Resources, Accounting, and leadership to support payroll operations, reporting, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.

 

The ideal candidate is detail‑oriented, dependable, and comfortable working in a deadline‑driven environment.

 

What You’ll Be Responsible For

  • Processing full‑cycle, multi‑state payroll for approximately 200+ employees on a regular pay schedule

  • Maintaining payroll records and ensuring accurate employee data

  • Reviewing timekeeping data, pay adjustments, deductions, garnishments, and benefits deductions for accuracy

  • Ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations

  • Preparing and reviewing payroll reports, registers, and reconciliations

  • Coordinating payroll funding and supporting accounting with payroll journal entries and reconciliations

  • Responding to employee payroll inquiries with professionalism, confidentiality, and timely follow‑up

  • Supporting new hire onboarding, terminations, and off‑cycle payrolls as needed

  • Assisting with payroll audits, year‑end processing, including W‑2s and other required filings

  • Partnering with HR and Finance to improve payroll processes, controls, and documentation

  • Supporting payroll‑related projects and system enhancements as needed

 

What We’re Looking For

  • Minimum of 3 years of payroll experience supporting a comparable employee population

  • Experience processing multi‑state payroll

  • Hands‑on experience with UKG, ADP, or similar system

  • Strong understanding of payroll compliance, taxes, and reporting requirements

  • High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and data integrity

  • Comfortable managing deadlines and handling sensitive information

 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience partnering closely with HR and Accounting teams

  • Understanding of benefits deductions, garnishments, and leave‑related pay rules

  • Prior experience supporting audits or payroll system implementations

 

Why You’ll Be Successful

  • You’re methodical, organized, and take ownership of your work

  • You communicate clearly and handle employee questions with confidence and discretion

  • You’re proactive in identifying errors, inefficiencies, or opportunities to improve

  • You adapt well to changing priorities, systems, and regulations

  • You value accuracy and consistency, even under tight payroll deadlines



Pay Details: $32.00 to $37.00 per hour

Search managed by: Erin Kile

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.lhh.com/us/en/candidate-privacy

The 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 Act
  • Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
  • Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
  • San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance


Massachusetts 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.



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