Human Resources Payroll Specialist

Nelson Connects; Santa Rosa (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Nelson Connects is seeking an experienced HR & Payroll Specialist to own the payroll process and support day-to-day HR operations in Sonoma County, CA. You will handle payroll processing, onboarding, benefits administration, HR data management, and reporting for a collaborative team.

The ideal candidate brings hands-on payroll expertise, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work across departments while maintaining confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Experience handling end-to-end payroll processing.
• Bilingual skills a plus.
• Strong Excel and general computer skills.
• Understanding of payroll compliance and employment regulations.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage payroll processing from start to finish and ensure employees are paid accurately and on time.
• Review timekeeping information and resolve discrepancies before payroll processing.
• Calculate deductions, taxes, garnishments, benefits, and other payroll adjustments.
• Maintain payroll, attendance, leave, benefits, and workers' compensation records.
• Set up new employees in timekeeping and payroll systems.
• Assist employees with Paycom access and payroll questions.
• Reconcile payroll accounts and assist with payroll audits.
• Prepare payroll reports and assist with payroll audits.
• Maintain compliance with federal, California, and local payroll requirements.
• Coordinate onboarding and orientation for new employees.
• Prepare new-hire paperwork and maintain accurate employee records.
• Maintain confidential personnel files and conduct audits.
• Support benefits enrollment and employee questions.
• Assist with workers' compensation matters and related documentation.
• Respond to employee and manager questions regarding HR policies.

Skills

Payroll processing

Bilingual

Excel

Payroll compliance

Confidentiality

Communication

Prioritization

Problem-solving

Tools

Paycom

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

** Human Resources & Payroll Specialist**

** Location:** Sonoma County, CA
** Salary:** $70,000–$90,000 DOE

** The Opportunity

A growing Sonoma County organization is looking for an experienced HR & Payroll Specialist to take ownership of payroll while providing hands-on support across day-to-day Human Resources operations. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys variety and wants a role that combines payroll, employee support, benefits, onboarding, HR administration, and reporting. The ideal candidate is highly organized, approachable, accurate, and comfortable working across departments.

** What You'll Do

** Payroll & Timekeeping

• Manage payroll processing from start to finish, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time.
• Review timekeeping information and resolve discrepancies before payroll processing.
• Calculate deductions, taxes, garnishments, benefits, and other payroll adjustments.
• Maintain payroll, attendance, leave, benefits, and workers' compensation records.
• Set up new employees in the timekeeping and payroll systems.
• Assist employees with Paycom access, time-entry questions, and payroll issues.
• Reconcile payroll accounts and research discrepancies.
• Prepare payroll reports and assist with payroll audits.
• Maintain compliance with applicable federal, California, and local payroll requirements.

** Human Resources

• Coordinate onboarding and orientation for new employees.
• Prepare new-hire paperwork and maintain accurate employee records.
• Maintain confidential electronic and paper personnel files and conduct periodic audits.
• Support benefits enrollment, administration, and employee questions.
• Assist with workers' compensation matters and related documentation.
• Respond to employee and manager questions regarding HR policies, payroll, benefits, and procedures.
• Support employee training and other HR initiatives.

** Accounting & Reporting

• Partner with Accounting to reconcile payroll and benefit-related accounts.
• Prepare payroll expense, tax, and benefits reports.
• Enter and maintain payroll-related information
• Prepare deposits and maintain supporting financial documentation.

** Employee & Department Support

• Serve as a reliable point of contact for employees and managers.
• Troubleshoot payroll, benefits, timekeeping, and HR-related issues.
• Work collaboratively with department leaders to resolve questions efficiently.
• Assist with general office responsibilities and occasional business errands as needed.

** What We're Looking For

• Strong hands-on payroll processing experience.
• Bilingual a plus
• Strong Excel and general computer skills.
• Understanding of payroll compliance and employment regulations.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain confidential information.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

** Compensation**

** $70,000–$90,000 annually, depending on experience**

This position is ideal for a payroll professional who enjoys being involved in the broader HR function and wants to join a collaborative, growing Sonoma County team.

Company Description

For over 50 years, Nelson Connects has empowered employers and job seekers to achieve their unique versions of success. Our commitment to excellence, integrity, compassion, and innovation has made us a trusted partner in connecting jobs, people, and communities. The remarkably talented and dedicated people of Nelson Connects are building on the rich history of this company to define the future of our industry, and we can’t wait to work with you.

We are Nelson Connects, and our purpose is your success.

Pay & Benefits Transparency

Nelson Connects provides compensation ranges for all job postings in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local pay transparency laws. The compensation range listed represents a good faith estimate of base pay at the time of posting for the specific position and work location, or locations where the role may be performed.

Eligible temporary associates may have access to medical, dental, vision, HSA, EAP, life/AD&D, short-term disability, 401(k) retirement plan options, commuter benefits, paid sick leave where mandated, and other state or locally required benefits, subject to eligibility requirements.

Where applicable, postings will describe any additional benefits, paid leave, bonus or incentive opportunities, commissions, and other forms of compensation specific to that position. Actual compensation offered may vary based on skills, experience, worksite location, shift, and other legitimate business factors.

Fair Chance Hiring

Nelson Connects will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local fair chance and ban-the-box laws.

Temporary Assignment Disclosure

For temporary or temporary-to-hire assignments, the job posting will identify the worksite location, anticipated schedule, pay rate or range, nature of the assignment, and other information required under applicable state or local law.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accommodation

Nelson Connects is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under applicable law.

At Nelson Connects, we welcome applicants of all abilities and are committed to ensuring that every aspect of our hiring and interview process is accessible and supportive. If you require a reasonable accommodation to assist in your job search or application process, please contact us.